Prediction and Prophecy

Certainly there is a similarity between a prediction and a prophecy. But there is a tremendous difference also. While both are a forecast of something to come in the future, a prediction is based on experience, observation and scientific reason. There has been something to have happened previously that gives some reason to expect similar results from similar situations. This is how weathermen forecast the weather and sports people predict winners.

But prophecy is divine revelation about matters for which man has no control, no experience, no reason to forecast as is done. He cannot know what he is forecasting because of his own observation and wisdom. It deals with what only God can know.

We may say a prophet "predicts" certain things, but keep in mind this great distinction between a prediction and a divinely given prophecy. Anybody can predict. God directed the prophets.