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the prophets

the prophets. Spokesmen for God. Prophets: time frame. Approx. 850 BC to 430 BC “Prophetic Movement” began with Samuel & establishment of monarchy (1 Sam. 8) Ends after return from Exile, 400 years before Christ. Conditions in Israel. Political turmoil, entanglements with foreign powers

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the prophets

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  1. the prophets Spokesmen for God

  2. Prophets: time frame • Approx. 850 BC to 430 BC • “Prophetic Movement” began with Samuel & establishment of monarchy (1 Sam. 8) • Ends after return from Exile, 400 years before Christ

  3. Conditions in Israel • Political turmoil, entanglements with foreign powers • Key Events: Fall of N. Kingdom (721 BC) & Fall of S. Kingdom (586 BC) • Extremes of Poverty & Wealth • Injustice & Oppression • Religious Decline: • Religious Activity, but false values • Idolatry, along with worship of Yahweh • Religious leaders condoned (often instigated) evil

  4. Definition of “prophet” • Literally, one who “speaks forth” – i.e., a spokesman for God • Called “man of God,” “messenger,” “servant,” “seer,” “watchman,” etc. • Task not primarily predictionbut proclamation • Predictions come in context of declaring God’s will (threats of judgment, promises of restoration) • Test of a true prophet: Deuteronomy 18:20-22

  5. Message of the prophets • Overall Theme: Calling Israel & Judah back to God & His covenant • Reformers, not innovators • Strong moral & ethical appeal (return to fundamentals of the Law) • Two-part message: • Inevitability of Judgment (pre-586 BC) • Hope of Restoration (post-586 BC)

  6. Calling & inspiration • Becoming a prophet wasn’t a decision, but a summons from the Lord • Words were given by God/the Holy Spirit (“The word of the Lord came to. . . .” “Thus says the Lord. . . .”) 2 Peter 1:20-21 • Revelations often involved dreams & visions • Prophets paid a high price for their service

  7. Categories of prophets • “Former” = Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Micaiah, etc. • “Latter” (“Writing”) = Isaiah through Malachi • “Pre-Exilic” & “Post-Exilic” – i.e., before or after Exile to Babylon in 586 BC • “Major” & “Minor” – refers to length only, not to importance

  8. Understanding the writing prophets • Learn as much as possible re the historical context • Remember: The prophets spoke 1st to their own times, then to ours, & we need to understand them in that order • Prophetic predictions are often conditional (Jonah 3:4-5) • Some prophecies have a “double fulfillment” (both near & distant future) • Prophets may speak of a distant fulfillment as if it were very near • NT writers often reveal the ultimate meaning (“fulfillment”) of a prophecy as shown in the life of Jesus (1 Pet 2:21-25/Isaiah 53) • The prophets were ultimately writing for the benefit of Christians, & their message helps us understand the gospel (1 Pet 1:10-12)

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