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Why did Ashurbanipal pay close attention to omen reports?

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Lion Hunt of Ashurbanipal — Ashurbanipal Ashurbanipal depicted in a lion hunt in an Assyrian relief from his northern palace in Nineveh; now in the British Museum.

Ashurbanipal paid close attention to omen reports because they were viewed as a symbolic language through which the gods communicated their will to humanity regarding the future. In the ancient Mesopotamian worldview, these omens were not considered deterministic or indicative of an inexorable fate, but rather as warnings that provided a basis for intelligent action.1

By monitoring celestial phenomena, as well as the behavior of men, animals, and plants, Ashurbanipal sought to identify impending success or disaster. Because these omens were seen as indicative, it was believed that any unpleasant forebodings could be mitigated or nullified through ritual means or by acting upon contrary omens. Consequently, the king took a personal and informed interest in these reports to ensure his spiritual security and to guide his administrative and military decisions.21