Topical Bible: Prophets: Simple in Their Manner of Life

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The prophets of the Bible, revered as God's messengers, often led lives marked by simplicity and humility. Their manner of life was a testament to their dedication to God's calling, often eschewing worldly comforts and material wealth to focus on their divine mission. This simplicity is evident in their lifestyle, attire, and the messages they delivered.

Lifestyle and Attire

The prophets' simple lifestyle is exemplified in their choice of clothing and living conditions. Elijah, one of the most prominent prophets, is described as a man who wore a garment of hair with a leather belt around his waist (2 Kings 1:8). This attire was not only practical for his itinerant lifestyle but also symbolized his separation from the opulence of the world. Similarly, John the Baptist, who is often seen as the last of the Old Testament prophets, lived in the wilderness, wearing clothing made of camel's hair and a leather belt, and his diet consisted of locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4). This austere lifestyle underscored his message of repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah.

Detachment from Material Wealth

The prophets often demonstrated a detachment from material wealth, focusing instead on spiritual riches. Elisha, when called to follow Elijah, left his oxen and ran after Elijah, signifying his willingness to abandon his previous life and possessions (1 Kings 19:19-21). This act of leaving behind material wealth to pursue God's calling is a recurring theme among the prophets, highlighting their commitment to serving God above all else.

Message of Simplicity and Repentance

The messages delivered by the prophets often called for a return to simplicity and repentance. They urged the people of Israel to forsake their idolatrous practices and return to a pure and simple worship of Yahweh. The prophet Micah encapsulates this call to simplicity in his well-known exhortation: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8). This message emphasizes a life of humility and righteousness over ritualistic or ostentatious displays of piety.

Living as Examples

The prophets' simple manner of life served as a powerful example to the people they ministered to. By living lives that were free from the trappings of wealth and power, they embodied the virtues they preached. Their simplicity was not just a personal choice but a prophetic act, demonstrating the values of God's kingdom and calling others to follow their example.

Endurance and Faithfulness

Despite their simple lifestyles, the prophets exhibited remarkable endurance and faithfulness in the face of adversity. They often faced persecution, rejection, and hardship, yet remained steadfast in their mission. The author of Hebrews commends the prophets for their faith, stating, "They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated" (Hebrews 11:37). Their willingness to endure such trials further underscores their commitment to a life of simplicity and devotion to God.

In summary, the prophets' simple manner of life was a reflection of their deep commitment to God and their prophetic mission. Through their lifestyle, they provided a living testimony of the values they proclaimed, calling others to a life of humility, repentance, and faithfulness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 3:4
And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leather girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Those who First Advanced the Heresy of Artemon; their Manner of ...
... their heretical opinions and adulterate the simple faith of ... not receive such Scriptures
from their instructors, nor ... deny the law and the prophets, [1764] and ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxviii those who first advanced.htm

Third Mark of Inspiration, which is Holy Obedience to the Church ...
... holy Stylite, than to find him simple, gentle, and ... to obey his superiors and follow
their counsel, is ... All the Prophets and Preachers that ever were inspired by ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xiii third mark of.htm

Although the Jew, Then, May Offer no Defence for Himself in the ...
... in believing that similar things occurred to the prophets, when it ... such an occurrence
may be a stumbling-block to the simple, who in their simplicity would ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlviii although the jew.htm

Two Prophets of the Inward Word: Bunderlin and Entfelder
... CHAPTER III TWO PROPHETS OF THE INWARD WORD: BUNDERLIN AND ENTFELDER. I ... the earlier
German mystics who helped them to interpret their own simple and sincere ...
/.../chapter iii two prophets of.htm

The Judges.
... After this time prophecy and prophets had a vital and ... Some things are stressed far
beyond their importance while other ... and fail to observe the simple laws of ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter ix the judges.htm

Savonarola -- the Ascension of Christ
... this field bear fruit." Yea, our fathers, the prophets, apostles, and ... other side
stood the weak and the simple, who said ... that can say I have led their son into ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/savonarola the ascension of.htm

The Greatest in the Kingdom, and their Reward
... the humblest believer is blessed above prophets and righteous ... character, but who
have not rested their souls on ... and on the other hand simple faith, rudimentary ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the greatest in the kingdom.htm

The Holy Catholic Church.
... Church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers. ... settled in England; and,
by their victorious advance ... practices were mingled with the simple belief of ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter ix the holy catholic.htm

To Alexander, Bishop of the City of Constantinople.
... and flattering discourse, they circumvent the more simple-minded and ... Their impiety
not even the demons will bear, who ... gave to us the Law, the prophets, and the ...
/.../i to alexander bishop of the.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... The very use of simple faith is to believe the prophets ... But, it is said, if the prophets
foretold Christ, they did not live in a way becoming their office. ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm