# The Astrologer's Prophecy and the King's Precautions explained — Barlaam and Ioasaph

> Chapter companion for Barlaam and Ioasaph by Anonymous.

## What happens

On his son's birthday, King Abenner consults fifty-five Chaldean astrologers about the child's future. One astrologer prophesies that the boy will embrace Christianity and surpass his father's kingdom. Disturbed, the king isolates his son in a luxurious palace, shielding him from all knowledge of suffering, death, and Christ. He also intensifies persecution of monks, decreeing their execution.

## Themes in this chapter

### Persecution and Martyrdom

King Abenner's decree to destroy all monks by fire and sword exemplifies the persecution of Christians.

### Divine Providence and Free Will

The astrologer's prophecy, spoken unwittingly like Balaam of old, reveals God's sovereignty in using enemies to declare truth.

### Idolatry vs. True Worship

The king's reliance on star-lore contrasts with the Christian faith that the astrologer predicts the prince will embrace.

## Character check-ins

### Abenner

King Abenner consults astrologers about his son's future and, upon hearing the prophecy, isolates the child and intensifies persecution of monks.

### Ioasaph

The newborn prince is the subject of the astrologers' prophecy; he is placed in a secluded palace to prevent knowledge of suffering and Christianity.

## Key lines

> Methinketh also that he will embrace the Christian religion, which thou persecutest, and I trow that he will not be disappointed of his aim and hope.

The astrologer predicts that the prince will adopt Christianity, the very faith the king is persecuting, and will succeed in his spiritual quest.

_This prophecy sets the central conflict of the chapter: the king's attempt to thwart divine will._

> And he commanded heralds to scour all the city and all the country, proclaiming that after three days no monk whatsoever should be found therein. But and if any were discovered after the set time, they should be delivered to destruction by fire and sword.

The king orders a city-wide and country-wide search, giving monks three days to flee; any found after that will be executed by burning or beheading.

_This decree escalates the persecution, showing the king's rage against Christian ascetics._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/chapters/iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/chapters