Topical Encyclopedia
The prophets of the Old Testament are often revered not only for their messages and divine revelations but also for their remarkable patience and endurance under suffering. These men of God were called to deliver messages that were frequently met with resistance, hostility, and persecution. Their steadfastness in the face of adversity serves as a profound example of faith and perseverance.
Jeremiah Jeremiah, often referred to as the "weeping prophet," is a quintessential example of patience under suffering. His ministry was marked by constant opposition and personal anguish. Despite being mocked, imprisoned, and threatened with death, Jeremiah remained faithful to his calling. In
Jeremiah 20:2, we read about Pashhur striking Jeremiah and putting him in the stocks. Yet, Jeremiah continued to prophesy, demonstrating unwavering patience and commitment to God's message.
Ezekiel Ezekiel's life and ministry were filled with symbolic acts and visions that often placed him in difficult situations. He was called to be a watchman for the house of Israel, delivering messages of impending judgment.
Ezekiel 24:15-18 describes a poignant moment where God tells Ezekiel that his wife will die, yet he is instructed not to mourn publicly. This act of obedience and patience under personal suffering highlights the prophet's dedication to his divine mission.
Daniel Daniel's life in Babylonian exile is a testament to patience and faithfulness. Despite being taken from his homeland and placed in a foreign culture, Daniel remained steadfast in his devotion to God. His refusal to defile himself with the king's food (
Daniel 1:8) and his unwavering commitment to prayer, even when it led to being thrown into the lions' den (
Daniel 6:10-16), exemplify his patience and trust in God's deliverance.
Hosea Hosea's prophetic ministry involved a personal life that mirrored the unfaithfulness of Israel. God commanded Hosea to marry Gomer, a woman who would be unfaithful to him, as a symbol of Israel's infidelity to God (
Hosea 1:2). Hosea's patience and enduring love for Gomer, despite her repeated betrayals, reflect the long-suffering nature of God's love for His people.
Elijah Elijah faced significant opposition from King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who sought his life after he confronted them about their idolatry (
1 Kings 19:1-2). Despite feeling isolated and despondent, Elijah demonstrated patience by continuing his prophetic mission. His encounter with God on Mount Horeb (
1 Kings 19:11-13) reinvigorated his spirit, allowing him to persevere in his calling.
Isaiah Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings, during which he delivered messages of both judgment and hope. His prophetic work was not without personal cost, as tradition holds that he suffered martyrdom under King Manasseh. Isaiah's willingness to endure suffering for the sake of God's message is evident in his writings, which often reflect a deep trust in God's ultimate plan (
Isaiah 53:7).
Conclusion The prophets' great patience under suffering is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. Their lives and ministries provide a powerful witness to the strength and resilience that come from a deep relationship with God. Through their examples, believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's purposes even amidst trials and tribulations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
James 5:10Take, my brothers, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Treatise ix. On the Advantage of Patience.
... the nativity of Christ springs, how great and marvellous ... In fine, so many prophets
were slain, so many ... received from God under the guardianship of patience. ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise ix on the advantage.htm
"Nineveh, that Great City"
... Prophets of the Northern Kingdom Chapter 22 "Nineveh, That ... of God has been very
great"so great that when ... is a point beyond which divine patience is exhausted ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 22 nineveh that great.htm
Abram's Horror of Great Darkness.
... The prophets and apostles, passed through scenes in many ... of them who through faith
and patience inherit the ... of God, felt horror of great darkness, after he had ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon v abrams horror of.htm
Chapter v.
... that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and ... and be exceeding
glad: for great is your ... nevertheless did not the ancient prophets on this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter v.htm
Sermon for the First Sunday in Advent
... these are the days which the prophets and righteous ... How great is the mischief that
springs from this ... that they may learn true patience under diverse afflictions ...
/.../i sermon for the first.htm
The Earliest Christian Preaching
... To Him bear all the prophets witness, that every one ... he had seen as he stood by the
great sufferer, what impresses him most is His innocence and patience. ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 2 the earliest christian.htm
Shewing Wherein all Saving Grace Does Summarily Consist"
... is included in the Law and the Prophets," and is ... external acts, and does such great
things in ... quite of another kind"viz., patience under suffering, faith and ...
/.../edwards/treatise on grace/shewing wherein all saving grace.htm
Chapter iii.
... Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have ... Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and
have seen the ... which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/paley/evidences of christianity/chapter iii.htm
To Charles ii.
... flattering words, as ever the true prophets in ancient ... faithfulness towards their
God, their patience in suffering ... esteemed of the wise, the great, and learned ...
/.../to charles ii.htm
On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... some extent Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, the Prophets before the ... of the contest, this
the reward for his patience. ... his subsequent prosperity was small, great as it ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm
Resources
What does it mean that Saul is also among the prophets? | GotQuestions.orgHow many prophets are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgAre there prophets in the church today? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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