Pr Isaiah White
In his book Realms of the Prophetic, Naim Collins identifies five different types of prophetic sight. Before we explore these, let us take a moment to reflect on the role of prophets throughout biblical history.
The prophetic office is one of the oldest in Scripture, with its roots tracing back to the ancient role of seers. In early communities, seers were individuals who had the ability to perceive things beyond ordinary human sight. They were often wise elders who guided individuals and leaders, helping them stay on the right path. The Bible first introduces Samuel in this role, describing him as a seer (1 Samuel 9:9).
Seers, prophets
The distinction between a prophet and a seer is not always clear in the Hebrew Bible. The main difference lies in the nature of their gifting—while a prophet (nabi or ro’eh) speaks on God’s behalf, a seer (ra’ah) has a unique capacity for spiritual vision. A nabi primarily communicates messages, while a ra’ah primarily sees.
Seers operate in the prophetic realm through visions, dreams, and deep perception. They have the ability to see not only with their physical eyes but also with their spiritual insight and understanding. The Hebrew word ro’eh also translates to “vision,” highlighting the role of seers in receiving divine revelation.
Both seers and prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, were chosen by God to bring His messages to the people of Israel. However, their role extended beyond foretelling the future—they were moral and spiritual leaders, calling people to repentance and righteousness. The prophet Amos is a great example of this, as he boldly confronted social injustice and corruption.
Four types of prophetic sight
Prophets who operated in the seer dimension possessed extraordinary vision, enabling them to provide counsel, strategy, and divine insight. This prophetic sight can be categorised into four key dimensions:
1. Prophetic insight: seeing below the surface
Prophetic insight is the ability to perceive the deeper meaning behind events, situations, and human motives. It allows prophets to discern the root causes of issues, whether in individuals, communities, or nations. With this gift, they act as spiritual detectives, uncovering hidden truths and offering God-inspired wisdom and solutions. This kind of vision helps prophets to piece together complex and challenging circumstances, guiding people towards divine truth.
2. Prophetic foresight: seeing what’s ahead
Prophetic foresight is the ability to see into the future—to anticipate events before they unfold. This is not fortune-telling but a Spirit-given ability to discern upcoming trends, challenges, and opportunities. Those with foresight can sense shifts in the spiritual and natural realms, enabling them to warn, prepare, and encourage people based on what is to come.
3. Prophetic oversight: watching over God’s people
Unlike managers who handle practical responsibilities, prophets with oversight act as spiritual monitors. They help ensure that the Church and individuals stay aligned with God’s will, providing accountability and guidance. This includes overseeing the spiritual well-being of believers, guarding against false teachings, and helping people remain faithful to their callings. Prophetic oversight plays a crucial role in maintaining doctrinal integrity and ethical conduct within the body of Christ.
4. Prophetic hindsight: understanding the past to interpret the present
Prophets with hindsight have a unique ability to see how past events shape the present and influence the future. They are like spiritual historians, able to discern the impact of personal and generational experiences. By understanding someone’s past, they can help bring healing, restoration, and direction. This gift is especially powerful in breaking cycles of sin, trauma, and confusion, enabling individuals to move forward with clarity and purpose.
Common misconception
One of the biggest challenges facing modern prophets and those in prophetic ministry is the misconception that they operate like magicians or fortune-tellers. Some believers mistakenly view prophets as mystical figures with supernatural abilities, similar to the ancient seers or sorcerers of old. However, true biblical prophets are not magicians but messengers of God. While their ability to see and discern may seem extraordinary, their authority comes from God, not from personal or mystical power.
The difference between a prophet of God and a false prophet lies in the source of their revelation. True prophets speak under the authority of the Holy Spirit, delivering messages that align with Scripture and lead people towards righteousness. False prophets, on the other hand, seek personal gain or operate outside of God’s truth.
As believers, we should seek to understand and respect the prophetic ministry, recognising its true purpose—to reveal God’s will, bring people back to Him, and help the Church grow in wisdom and maturity.
