Topical Bible: Prophecy: They Who Uttered: Moved by the Holy Spirit

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Introduction

Prophecy, within the biblical context, refers to the divinely inspired utterances delivered by individuals chosen by God. These individuals, known as prophets, were moved by the Holy Spirit to convey God's messages to His people. The role of the prophet was crucial in guiding, warning, and encouraging the people of God throughout biblical history. This entry explores the nature of prophecy, the role of the Holy Spirit in inspiring prophets, and notable examples of prophets in the Bible.

The Nature of Prophecy

Prophecy in the Bible is not merely a prediction of future events but encompasses a broader scope, including declarations of God's will, calls to repentance, and revelations of divine mysteries. The prophets served as God's mouthpieces, communicating His words with authority and clarity. The Berean Standard Bible emphasizes the divine origin of prophecy, as seen in 2 Peter 1:21: "For no prophecy was ever brought about through human initiative, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a central role in the process of prophecy. It is through the Spirit's inspiration that prophets receive and deliver God's messages. The Holy Spirit empowers and guides the prophets, ensuring that their words align with God's truth and purpose. In the Old Testament, the Spirit of the Lord would come upon individuals, enabling them to prophesy. For instance, in Numbers 11:25, the Spirit rested on the seventy elders, and they prophesied.

Notable Prophets Moved by the Holy Spirit

1. Moses: As one of the greatest prophets, Moses was uniquely chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and deliver the Law. The Holy Spirit empowered Moses to perform miracles and communicate God's commandments. Deuteronomy 34:10-12 highlights Moses' unparalleled prophetic role: "Since that time, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face."

2. Samuel: Samuel was a pivotal figure in Israel's history, serving as a prophet, priest, and judge. The Spirit of the Lord was with Samuel, guiding him in anointing the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. 1 Samuel 3:19 states, "And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and He let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground."

3. Elijah: Known for his boldness and miraculous deeds, Elijah was a prophet who confronted idolatry and apostasy in Israel. The Holy Spirit empowered Elijah to perform miracles, such as calling down fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:36-38). Elijah's ministry demonstrated the power of the Spirit in upholding God's covenant.

4. Isaiah: Isaiah's prophetic ministry was marked by profound visions and messages of both judgment and hope. The Holy Spirit inspired Isaiah to prophesy about the coming Messiah and the restoration of Israel. Isaiah 61:1, quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:18, begins with, "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor."

5. Jeremiah: Known as the "weeping prophet," Jeremiah was called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope during a tumultuous period in Judah's history. Despite opposition, Jeremiah faithfully proclaimed God's word, as seen in Jeremiah 1:9: "Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: 'Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.'"

6. John the Baptist: As the forerunner of Christ, John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth (Luke 1:15). His prophetic ministry prepared the way for Jesus, calling people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River. John 1:29 records his declaration, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

Conclusion

The prophets of the Bible, moved by the Holy Spirit, played a vital role in communicating God's will and purpose to His people. Through their inspired words, they provided guidance, correction, and hope, pointing ultimately to the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 1:21
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Fulfilled Prophecies of the Bible Bespeak the Omniscience of ...
... have been literally fulfilled to the letter, hundreds of years after they were uttered? ...
us that "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; where unto ye ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter five the fulfilled prophecies.htm

Verbal Inspiration
... Balaam for example"but it insists that the words they uttered and recorded ... "The prophecy
came not ... will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter thirteen verbal inspiration .htm

The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith.
... For the prophecy came not in old time by the ... men of God spake as they were moved
by the ... The predictions they uttered were not their own conceptions; not the ...
/.../the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the prophetic theme rev gervase.htm

Remaining Books of the Old Testament.
... the utter and perpetual desolation of Babylon, uttered ages beforehand ... 2:Tim.3:16,
and that "the prophecy came not ... but holy men of God spake as they were moved ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xi remaining books of.htm

The Doctrine of the Scriptures.
... divine authority every sentiment which it reports as uttered by the ... For the prophecy
came not in old time by the ... but holy men of God spake as they were moved ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the scriptures.htm

Letter cxxx. (AD 412. )
... shall be fulfilled what is spoken in prophecy: "We are ... the request of unclean spirits,
when they besought Him ... for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxx a d 412.htm

Letter clxix. (AD 415. )
... disorderly manner, as if the spirit of prophecy compelled them ... Father, for so soon
as it was uttered it ceased ... if they belong to the former, they are produced ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter clxix a d 415.htm

The Letter of the Synod to the Emperor and Empress.
... Of such the word of prophecy had before declared that ... mentioned, which springing
up after them, uttered such empty ... of the Holy Angels (for they have manifested ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the letter of the synod 2.htm

Our Lord Himself Spoke of his Return in the Language of Imminency.
... At the time our Lord uttered the parable His followers were ... the space of two years;
so that all they which dwelt ... The Son of Man;" yet, like all prophecy it has ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/1 our lord himself spoke.htm

That the Scriptures are Divinely Inspired.
... thus the words run: "They have moved Me to ... that those statements which were uttered
respecting Him ... ie, contrary to the faith of prophecy, they crucified Him ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter i that the scriptures are.htm