Astrologer

ASTROLOGER. A good description of an astrologer is given by the prophet Isaiah (47:13 RSV), “those who divide the heavens, who gaze at the stars, who at the new moons predict what shall befall you.” The prophet Jeremiah warned Israel not to be “dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them” (Jer 10:2). It is surprising that there was not more reference to this practice since the Assyrians were masters of astrology and Pal. was under their domination for a long time. The Heb. and Aram. אַשָּׁף, H879, of the book of Daniel (5:11) is tr. as “astrologer” in the KJV, and as “enchanter” in the RSV. It is, however, a technical Akkad. term which refers to a priesthood of conjurers. See Astrology.