Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, prophets hold a significant role as the divinely appointed messengers of God. They are chosen individuals who convey God's will, guidance, and revelations to His people. The Hebrew term for prophet, "navi," suggests one who is called or appointed to speak on behalf of God. Prophets are central figures throughout both the Old and New Testaments, serving as intermediaries between God and humanity.Old Testament Prophets The Old Testament is replete with prophets who played crucial roles in the history of Israel. These prophets were often called during times of crisis or moral decline to remind the people of their covenant with God and to call them to repentance. Among the earliest prophets is Moses, who is considered the greatest prophet in Israel's history. Moses not only led the Israelites out of Egypt but also received the Law from God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-20). The prophetic tradition continued with figures such as Samuel, who anointed the first kings of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1), and Nathan, who confronted King David regarding his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:1-7). Elijah and Elisha are notable for their miraculous deeds and staunch opposition to idolatry, particularly against the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:20-40). The Major Prophets—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel—provided extensive writings that addressed both immediate and future concerns. Isaiah prophesied about the coming of the Messiah, describing Him as a suffering servant (Isaiah 53). Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," warned of the impending Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 25:11). Ezekiel's visions included the restoration of Israel (Ezekiel 37), while Daniel's prophecies extended to the end times (Daniel 12). The Minor Prophets, though shorter in length, also delivered powerful messages. Hosea's life symbolized God's enduring love for Israel despite their unfaithfulness (Hosea 3:1). Amos called for social justice and righteousness (Amos 5:24), and Malachi foretold the coming of Elijah before the "great and dreadful day of the LORD" (Malachi 4:5). New Testament Prophets In the New Testament, the role of the prophet continues, though it takes on new dimensions with the coming of Jesus Christ, who is recognized as the ultimate prophet, priest, and king. Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament and brought the final revelation of God's will (Hebrews 1:1-2). John the Baptist is considered the last of the Old Testament prophets, preparing the way for the Lord (Matthew 3:3). The early church also recognized the gift of prophecy as a spiritual gift bestowed by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:10). Prophets in the New Testament church, such as Agabus, who predicted a famine (Acts 11:28), and the daughters of Philip, who prophesied (Acts 21:9), played a role in guiding and edifying the early Christian communities. Characteristics and Functions of Prophets Prophets were characterized by their unwavering commitment to God's truth, often facing persecution and rejection. They were called to speak boldly, regardless of the consequences, as seen in the lives of Jeremiah and Elijah. Their messages often included calls to repentance, warnings of judgment, and promises of hope and restoration. The authenticity of a prophet was determined by the fulfillment of their prophecies and their adherence to the worship of the one true God (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). False prophets, who led people astray with lies and idolatry, were condemned (Jeremiah 23:16-17). The Prophetic Legacy The legacy of the prophets is enduring, as their messages continue to resonate with believers today. They remind us of God's sovereignty, justice, and mercy, and they point to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. The prophetic writings form a substantial portion of the biblical canon, providing insight into God's character and His redemptive plan for humanity. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 36:15And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 44:26 Library The Prophets Bore Witness to Christ and Foretold Many Things ... "The Prophets of God Helping Them" The vineyard of the Lord Two Ways of Despising God's Feast In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the ... The Kingdom of Judah. The Fall of Judah The God of the Law and the Prophets, and the Father of Our Lord ... Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount God's Last Arrow Resources What does the Bible say about false prophets? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the Major Prophets and Minor Prophets? | GotQuestions.org What was the school of prophets? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics False Prophets: Called Foolish Prophets False Prophets: Compared to Foxes in the Desert False Prophets: Compared to Wind False Prophets: Immoral and Profane False Prophets: Influenced by Evil Spirits False Prophets: Involved the People in Their own Ruin False Prophets: Judgments Denounced Against False Prophets: Light and Treacherous False Prophets: Made Use of by God to Prove Israel False Prophets: Mode of Trying and Detecting False Prophets: Not Sent or Commissioned by God False Prophets: Often Deceived by God As a Judgment False Prophets: Often Practised Divination and Witchcraft False Prophets: Often Pretended to Dreams False Prophets: Predicted to Arise in the Latter Times False Prophets: Predicted to Arise: Before Destruction of Jerusalem False Prophets: Pretended to be Sent by God False Prophets: Prophesied in the Name of False Gods False Prophets: Prophesied: Falsely False Prophets: Prophesied: Lies in the Name of the Lord False Prophets: Prophesied: out of Their own Heart False Prophets: Prophesied: Peace, when There Was No Peace False Prophets: The People: Deprived of God's Word By False Prophets: The People: Encouraged and Praised False Prophets: The People: Led Into Error False Prophets: The People: Made to Forget God's Name By False Prophets: The People: Oppressed and Defrauded By False Prophets: The People: Taught Profaneness and Sin By False Prophets: The People: Warned not to Listen To False Prophets: Women Sometimes Acted As Prophets were Called: Holy Men of God Prophets were Called: Holy Prophets Prophets were Called: Men of God Prophets were Called: Prophets of God Prophets were Consulted in all Difficulties Prophets were Esteemed As Holy Men Prophets were Mighty Through Faith Prophets were Required: Not to Speak Anything But What They Received from God Prophets were Required: To be Bold and Undaunted Prophets were Required: To be Vigilant and Faithful Prophets were Required: To Declare Everything That the Lord Commanded Prophets were Required: To Receive With Attention all God's Communications Prophets were Sent to Denounce the Wickedness of Kings Prophets were Sent to Exhort to Faithfulness and Constancy in God's Service Prophets were Sent to Predict the Coming of Christ Prophets were Sent to Predict the Downfall of Nations Prophets were Sent to Reprove the Wicked and Exhort to Repentance Prophets were Under the Influence of the Holy Spirit While Prophesying Prophets: Assisted the Jews in Their Great National Undertakings Prophets: Azariah the Son of Oded Prophets: Benefits of Presents Prophets: Benefits of Presents Refused By Prophets: Christ Exercised the office of Prophets: Christ Predicted to Exercise the office of Prophets: Extraordinary: Often Endued With Miraculous Power Prophets: Extraordinary: Specially Raised up on Occasions of Emergency Prophets: False: 400 in Samaria Prophets: False: Denunciations Against Prophets: False: Punishment of Prophets: Felt Deeply on Account of the Calamities Which They Predicted Prophets: Frequently in Their Actions Were Made Signs to the People Prophets: Frequently Left Without Divine Communication on Account of Prophets: Frequently Married Men Prophets: Frequently Spoke in Parables and Riddles Prophets: God Avenged all Injuries Done To Prophets: God Communicated to At Various Time and in Different Ways Prophets: God Communicated To by an Audible Voice Prophets: God Communicated To by Angels Prophets: God Communicated To by Dreams and Visions Prophets: God Communicated to His Secret Things Prophets: Great Patience of, Under Suffering Prophets: Jehu the Son of Hanani Prophets: Micaiah the Son of Imlah Prophets: Not Honored in Their own Country Prophets: Often Accompanied by Music While Predicting Prophets: Often Committed Their Predictions to Writing Prophets: Often Led a Wandering and Unsettled Life Prophets: One Generally Attached to the King's Household Prophets: Ordinary: Numerous in Israel Prophets: Ordinary: The Sacred Bards of the Jews Prophets: Ordinary: Trained up and Instructed in Schools Prophets: Predictions of Frequently Proclaimed at the Gate of the Lord's House Prophets: Predictions of Proclaimed in the Cities and Streets Prophets: Predictions of Were all Fulfilled Prophets: Predictions of Written on Rolls and Read to the People Prophets: Predictions of Written on Tables and Fixed up in some Public Place Prophets: Presented With Gifts by Those Who Consulted Them Prophets: Prophet Set to Israel Prophets: Simple in Their Manner of Life Prophets: Sometimes Received Divine Communications and Uttered Prophets: Sometimes Thought It Right to Reject Presents Prophets: Sometimes Uttered Their Predictions in Verse Prophets: Spoke in the Name of the Lord Prophets: The Historiographers of the Jewish Nation Prophets: The Interpreters of Dreams Prophets: The Jews: Often Imprisoned Them Prophets: The Jews: Often Left Without, on Account of Sin Prophets: The Jews: Often Put Them to Death Prophets: The Jews: Often Tried to Make Them Speak Smooth Things Prophets: The Jews: Persecuted Them Prophets: The Jews: Require to Hear and Believe Prophets: The Messengers of God Prophets: The Watchmen of Israel Prophets: Women Sometimes Endowed As Prophets: Wore a Coarse Dress of Hair-Cloth Prophets: Writings of, Read in the Synagogues Every Sabbath Prophets: Zacharias the Father of John Prophets: Zechariah Son of Iddo Related Terms Brother-servant (2 Occurrences) Almondiblathaim (2 Occurrences) Almon-diblathaim (2 Occurrences) Sycamore-trees (6 Occurrences) |
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