Prophets
Summary
Prophets were individuals specially raised up by God, inspired by the Holy Spirit to receive and communicate divine revelations, including messages of warning, instruction, and prediction concerning future events, particularly regarding the Messiah and God's dealings with Israel and the nations.
☩Nature and Calling of Prophets
A prophet was one to whom the knowledge of secret things was revealed, that he might declare them to others, whether past, present, or future events. The Hebrew terms for prophet include *nabi* (נָבִיא), one who 'bubbles forth' or speaks under divine impulse, and *ro'eh* and *chozeh*, meaning 'seer,' emphasizing the visionary aspect of their calling (1 Samuel 9:9). Prophets received their messages through visions, dreams, trances, or direct communication from God (Numbers 12:6, Joel 2:28). They were called 'seers' because they perceived what was hidden from ordinary men, and 'watchmen' because they stood as sentinels for God's people. God generally chose prophets from the schools of the prophets, though Amos represents an exception, called directly from tending flocks (Amos 7:14-15).
☩Schools and Functions of Prophets
Schools of the prophets, first mentioned in Samuel's time, were established at Gibeah, Naioth, Bethel, Gilgal, and Jericho, where young men were instructed in religion and sacred music, preparing them to be public teachers (1 Samuel 10:5, 19:20, 2 Kings 2:3-5). The prophets served multiple functions: they were counselors to kings (Isaiah 37:2-3), keepers of historical chronicles (1 Chronicles 29:29, 2 Chronicles 9:29), and teachers of the Law alongside priests and Levites. They were humble, faithful, self-denying men, often living simply with coarse dress and plain food, aloof from worldly pleasures (2 Kings 1:8, Matthew 3:4). They refused presents to maintain their integrity, as Elisha refused Naaman's gifts (2 Kings 5:15-16).
☩Persecution and Martyrdom
Prophets were often not honored in their own country, and many suffered severe persecution and martyrdom for their faithfulness (Matthew 13:57, Luke 4:24, John 4:44). Jezebel systematically cut off the prophets of the Lord, though Obadiah hid a hundred in caves (1 Kings 18:4). The nation persistently persecuted its prophets, as lamented by Jesus: 'O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets' (Matthew 23:37, Luke 13:34). The writer of Hebrews catalogs their sufferings: 'They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword' (Hebrews 11:37). Yet despite such treatment, they remained fearless witnesses, reproving sin in the highest places and facing kings and rulers with divine authority.
☩False Prophets
Alongside true prophets, false prophets arose who promised prosperity without repentance and predicted according to the deceit of their own hearts (Deuteronomy 13:1-5, Jeremiah 14:14-16, 23:9-27). According to Mosaic Law, a false prophet was to be put to death in two cases: if he prophesied in Jehovah's name and his prediction failed, or if he prophesied in the name of any other god regardless of outcome (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). Ahab could muster four hundred prophets of Baal at one time (1 Kings 22:6). Jesus warned His disciples against false prophets who would come in sheep's clothing but inwardly be ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15, 24:11). The apostles similarly cautioned the early church about false prophets who would do much mischief (2 Peter 2:1, 1 John 4:1).
☩Prophetic Scriptures and Their Scope
The prophetic books form a distinct and vital part of Scripture, with prophecy usually arising when God's people had fallen into a ruined state requiring divine intervention. The prophets may be grouped historically: those before the captivity of the ten tribes (Hosea, Amos, Isaiah, Micah); those contemporary with Judah's captivity (Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Zephaniah); and those after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi). Their testimony extended over three to four hundred years. The scope of all prophecy reaches to the Day of the Lord, the judgment of nations, the establishment of Messiah's kingdom, and the reunion of Israel and Judah under their righteous King—a 'golden thread' running through all prophetic Scripture. Christ, of whom all prophets bore witness, is preeminently THE Prophet of His church in all ages (Luke 24:27, Acts 3:22-24, 10:43).
Related Verses443 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Prophets, False," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Prophets," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.American Tract Society, "Prophets," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).
- 4.Richard Watson, "Prophets," in A Biblical and Theological Dictionary (John Mason, 1831).