Foretell

Definition: to predict (the future) beforehand; to describe (something) before it happens*

Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (1,817)

Read: 1 Kings 21, 22:29-39, & 2 Kings 9:30-37 for full context of this account

1 Kings 21:23-24 (NIV) 23 "And also concerning Jezebel the LORD says: 'Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.' 24 "Dogs will eat those belonging to Ahab who die in the city, and the birds of the air will feed on those who die in the country."

That Was Then

The 21st chapter of 1Kings gives us an intimate account of the inner workings of one of the most dysfunctional marriages in history. King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, a match made in hell, scheme to steal the vineyard of a GOD-fearing man named Naboth. To be fair, Ahab did approach him with a more than reasonable proposal to purchase his vineyard, but when Naboth refused to sell because it was the inheritance of his fathers, Ahab sullenly deferred to Jezebel who devised a diabolical scheme to kill Naboth and confiscate his property.

As bad as this seems, this is nothing compared to Jezebel’s previous capers. Being the daughter of a pagan king and idol worshipper from her youth, she zealously set out to convert Israel to worship of Baal and Ashera by killing any prophet of GOD who wouldn’t comply. However, the sin they committed against Naboth provoked a response from GOD Himself because she attempted to use Him as a pawn in her wicked plan. She had Ahab prepare a day of fasting and sat Naboth in a prominent place with scoundrels on either side who were willing to say that he cursed GOD and the king – a crime punishable by stoning to death.

In response, GOD sent his prophet Elijah to Ahab to foretell how he and Jezebel would meet their fate (see vs. 17-24). Because Ahab humbled himself before GOD upon hearing the news, He did not bring about the disaster He promised during Ahab’s lifetime, but reserved it for his son (see 2Kings 9:7). However, Ahab did die the exact death Elijah foretold. Ironically, a few years later, Ahab joined forces with the king of Judah to war against the king of Aram for property that was part of their rightful inheritance. Although Ahab was disguised as a soldier so he wouldn’t have a royal target on his back, a random arrow (more like a guided missile) hit him between his armor, killing him. As blood ran down the chariot when it was washed at a pool in Samaria (where the prostitutes bathed) dogs licked up his blood as the Word of the LORD foretold (see 1Kings 22:29-40).

Fourteen years later, Jezebel’s death was as violent as her life. Unrepentant to the end and determined to die as a hardened queen, she applied her makeup prior to meeting her bloody demise. Her blood splattered the wall as she was thrown from a tower window and horses trampled her underfoot. When they went to bury her there was nothing left except her skull, hands and feet as dogs devoured her flesh as the scriptures foretold (see 2Kings 9:30-37).

This is Now

Throughout the course of modern history we have been presented with a plethora of self-professed gurus attempting to predict future events. From gloom-and-doom soothsayers forecasting the demise of civilization to cyber-vangelists naviguessing the direction technology will steer us in the next generation, most have been way off while a few have been spot-on with their predictions.

One qualified to be dubbed a modern-day prophet is Colin Kaepernick, former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. During a 4th grade writing assignment Colin foretold the following:

• “I’m 5ft 2 inches 91 pounds. Good athelet. I think in 7 years I will be between 6ft to 6ft 4inches 140 pounds. I hope I go to a good college in [faith (illegible)]. Then go to the pros and play on the niners or the packers even if they aren’t good in seven years. My friend are Jason, Kyler, Les, Spencer, Mark and Jacob. Sincerely, Colin.” **

In 2011 (a little more than 7 years), Colin was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers (aka Niners) and spent much of his rookie season benched; but the following year he became the torpedo-launching starter we use to see regularly. As if that’s not impressive enough, his breakout game just happened to be against the Green Bay Packers.

Another shocking prediction was found in the archives of the Ladies Home Journal. In the year 1900, John Elfreth Watkins, Jr. a civil engineer who became a curator at the Smithsonian after a disabling accident on a bridge, penned an article titled “What May Happen in the Next Hundred Years”. Though most of his predictions were slightly off, one in particular was remarkably precise: “Wireless telephone and telegraph circuits will span the world. A husband in the middle of the Atlantic will be able to converse with his wife sitting in her boudoir in Chicago. We will be able to telephone to China quite as readily as we now talk from New York to Brooklyn.” *** I don’t know about you, but I have chills. This guy could have been the Raymond Kurzweil of his time.

I’m not sure if these are eerily on point or just eerie, but, Elvis Presley foretold that he would not outlive his mother who died at age 46. He died at 42. Similarly, a renowned preacher cited attending the funeral of a member who died at age 39 (about a week before his 40th birthday). Doctors could not find anything medically wrong with him. When he asked the family what they thought the cause of death was, the decedent’s mother and brother confirmed that from childhood he would always say “I’ll never live to see 40 years old”. As only a select few are bold enough to foretell events to the masses, predictions are made by everyday people all the time. These examples confirm that death, life (and apparently our career path) really is in the power of the tongue.

Who Said That?!!!

“The next time Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future.” – Unknown****

What Do You Say?

AFFIRMATION: "I realize my words have immense creative power. Therefore, I am careful when speaking about future events."

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*www.merriam-webster.com, **http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000113031/article/colin-kaepernick-foretold-future-in-fourthgrade-letter

*** ttp://www.openculture.com/2013/12/ladies-home-journal-publishes-28-predictions.html

****www.brainyquote.com