The prophet's dictionary guide to the supernatural

word about to burst forth. The prophetic word to be released may have been conceived in a vision or a dream, incubating in the spirit of the messenger until the Lord was ready to bring it into the world. Prayer and intercession to produce the utterance may bring on the birthing pains of prophecy. God may also ignite them through a burden of prayer suddenly descending upon the messenger. The spiritual feelings of prophetic birthing often mimic the discomforts of natural childbirth pains and include weighty sensations in the bowel area. At times there may be chest pains or heart uneasiness. At other times, such as in the case of Jeremiah, there may be numbness or heaviness in the limbs. All these spiritual episodes are associated with the delivery of a prophecy. They do not relate to genuine symptoms of a real sickness, which should always be investigated to assure prophetic impartation is really the cause. High praise, music, or intense worship may also be the catalyst for such burdens. Such physical reactions, akin to natural gestation, to nurture a prophetic burden are normal. The conditions may exaggerate as the prophet becomes progressively more relaxed with the word of the Lord. During the course of their term of office however, as many Scriptures reveal, seasoned messengers can expect numerous prophetic birthings to occur with increasing intensity. Commonly exhibited in the veteran prophet, prophetic birthing is most frequent in prophets who regularly struggle in prayer to form and release their oracles. 986. Palestine—Philistia. The Palestinians are the ancient Philistines born from Ishmael. The Philistines were Israel’s age-old nemesis. Scripture is full of the constant struggle between these two nations. 987. Palm—A) A symbol of triumph over death and victory. B) Signifies resurrection, ascension, and transition into immortality. Palms were routinely used in the celebrations of military exploits with triumphal processions. They were a standard sign of conquering warriors in honor of their successful campaigns. When Revelation 7:9 refers to the saints of God suddenly appearing before His throne carrying palm branches in their hands, it is figurative of their similar triumph over the devil and his hosts of hostile forces. They, too, enjoy the standard celebration given to honor jubilant champions for their defeat of the state’s enemies. To commemorate forever their victories, the Lord shows their participation in the same triumphal ceremony temporal warriors have earned in the earth since time began. The audience of John’s day fully understood the analogy and what