Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, God often communicated with His chosen prophets through various means, including visions, dreams, and an audible voice. The use of an audible voice signifies a direct and personal form of communication, underscoring the importance of the message being delivered. This method of divine communication is evident in several key instances throughout the Scriptures.
MosesOne of the most prominent examples of God speaking audibly to a prophet is Moses. In the Book of Exodus, God calls to Moses from the burning bush, initiating his mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The Scripture records, "When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, 'Moses, Moses!' 'Here I am,' he answered" (
Exodus 3:4). This encounter marks the beginning of Moses' prophetic ministry and is characterized by a direct and clear communication from God.
Later, on Mount Sinai, God speaks to Moses again, delivering the Ten Commandments and other laws.
Exodus 19:19 states, "And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in the thunder." This event highlights the solemnity and authority of God's voice as He establishes His covenant with Israel.
SamuelThe prophet Samuel also experienced God's audible voice at a young age. In
1 Samuel 3, the Lord calls Samuel while he is lying down in the temple. Initially mistaking the voice for Eli, the priest, Samuel eventually responds to God's call. The passage reads, "Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, 'Speak, for Your servant is listening'" (
1 Samuel 3:10). This encounter marks the beginning of Samuel's role as a prophet and judge over Israel.
ElijahElijah, another significant prophet, heard God's voice during a time of personal crisis. After fleeing from Jezebel, Elijah finds himself in a cave on Mount Horeb. The Lord instructs him to stand on the mountain, and after a series of dramatic natural events, Elijah hears a gentle whisper.
1 Kings 19:13 records, "When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him and said, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?'" This encounter demonstrates God's ability to communicate in both powerful and subtle ways.
JeremiahThe prophet Jeremiah also received direct communication from God. In the opening chapter of the Book of Jeremiah, God speaks to him, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (
Jeremiah 1:5). This divine calling is delivered with clarity and purpose, establishing Jeremiah's prophetic mission.
New TestamentIn the New Testament, the Apostle Paul, though not traditionally classified as a prophet, experienced an audible voice from God during his conversion on the road to Damascus.
Acts 9:4-5 recounts, "He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' 'Who are You, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' He replied." This pivotal moment in Paul's life underscores the transformative power of God's direct communication.
Throughout the biblical narrative, the audible voice of God serves as a powerful means of conveying His will and purpose to His prophets. These encounters are marked by clarity, authority, and a deep sense of divine presence, affirming the role of the prophets as God's chosen messengers to His people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Numbers 12:8With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
Torrey's Topical Textbook1 Samuel 3:4-14
That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Third Kingdom
... organs"lawgivers and generals, priests and prophets, and finally ... inquiry is, Does
the Kingdom of God propose to ... in the lower Kingdom but communicated ab extra ...
/.../berkhof/new evangelism and other papers/the third kingdom.htm
Extracts No. vii.
... both killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have ... God has not seen fit
to endue her with the ... power from on high, was never even communicated to the ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vii.htm
The Life of Mr. John Welch.
... anger, That Mr. Welch and he were both false prophets. ... was so filled with the dread
of God, he had ... This story the nobleman himself communicated to his friends ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 5.htm
Concerning Worship.
... of that divine strength that is communicated by thus ... old saying of many, Is Saul
also among the prophets? ... in themselves may be good concerning God, yet thereby ...
/.../proposition xi concerning worship.htm
part i
... O then my soul clearly hears the voice of its ... As after having unworthily communicated,
so also after having prayed ... This means that God does not enter our heart ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm
Resources
What is the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was a prophet in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prophet in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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