In the case of dreams, it will be apparent, the dividing line between oracles proper and omens becomes exceedingly faint and it is very doubtful whether the Babylonians or Assyrians recognized any essential difference between the two. The suggestion has already been thrown out that there is a wider aspect to omens in the Babylonian religion than their employment in connection with sacrificial offerings. We have reached a point when it will be proper to take up this wider aspect.
FOOTNOTES:
[491] See King, Babylonian Magic, p. xxx.
[492] Harper's Assyrian Letters, no. 219.
[493] Assyrische Gebete an den Sonnengott für Staat und Königliches Haus (Leipzig, 1893, 2 vols.).
[494] Knudtzon, no. 1.
[495] That the priest recites the prayer and not the king is shown by the frequent introduction of the king's name in the 3d person. See, e.g., Knudtzon, nos. 40-47.
[496] 2d month.
[497] 5th month.
[498] I.e., the priest is only asked for an oracle regarding the events of the next one hundred days.