PROPHETS

Prophet – The Random House College Dictionary

1. A person who speaks for God, or deity, by divine inspiration.
2. OT – A person chosen to speak for God and to guide the people of Israel.
3. NT – A class of persons in the early church, next in order to apostle, recognized as inspired to speak
4. An inspired teacher or leader.

Old Testament:

Prophet –Strong’s 5030 nabi = prophet, prophesy

Prophesied – 5012 naba = to prophesy, speak as a prophet—focus on encouraging or restoring  covenant faithfulness. The telling of future events encourages obedience or warns against disobedience. Ezekiel 38.17; Ezekiel 12.27…prophesy with harps 1 Chronicles 25.1

Prophecy - 4853 – burden, load, what is lifted and carried-focus on content of message. Proverbs 31.1

New Testament:

Prophet – 4396 – prophet, one who speaks inspired utterances, the writings of the OT prophets. 1 John 4.1…many false prophets gone out in the world.

Prophet in Revelation only – 5578 - pseudoprohetes = false prophet. Rev 16.13, 19.20, 20.10. 5579 – pseudos = lie falsehood.

Prophecy – 4394 = prophecy, inspired message, often times encouraging obedience to God. Proclaim future as warning to preparedness and continued obedience towards God. 2 Peter 1.20-21; 1 Corinthians 13.8, Romans 12.6

Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Except for God’s call, prophets had no special qualifications. They appeared from all walks of life. They included Sheepherders and farmers like Amos and Elisha, princes like Abraham and priests like Ezekiel. Even women and children became prophets. 1 Sam 3.19-20, 2 Kings 22.14

Prophets received their call or appointment directly from God. It enabled the prophet to be unaffected by human bias and criticism. The call of the prophet required that they not be intimidated or threatened by their audience.

Samuel is considered the model prophet, whose vocation was apparent to all 1 Samuel 3.19-20

He spent his life serving as a judge 1 Sam 7.15

Led the army to victory 1 Sam 7.9-10

Established the religious and civil life of the nation 1 Sam 10.25

He both appointed and recalled the first king of Israel 1 Sam 12.1; 1 Sam 15.26-28

Provided a model for other prophets to follow 1 Sam 19.20

Prophets warn and call the nation to turn back to God and His word. The spirit of prophecy is testimony of Yeshua. This is the primary duty of prophets—it is not predicting future events other than the chastisement the nation will experience if they do not turn back to God. This is their mission.