Introduction to the OT Prophets
What is a prophet? What does he do? Who was a prophet? How does his ministry & message speak to me and my context? What about my prophetic role today? For answers to these questions and more, scroll down to learn about the nature, office and function of a prophet.
Introduction
The office of the Biblical prophet holds a vital place in the unfolding narrative of God’s redemptive plan as revealed in Scripture. The prophet serves as God’s chosen spokesperson, entrusted with delivering His word to humanity. This role is rooted in divine calling and authority, as prophets communicate God's will, foretell future events, call people to repentance, and affirm God’s covenant promises.
Definition of a Prophet
A prophet, in the Biblical sense, is one who speaks on behalf of God under divine inspiration. The term "prophet" derives from the Hebrew word navi, which means "to proclaim" or "to speak forth," and the Greek equivalent prophētēs, meaning "one who speaks for another." The prophet’s primary role is not merely predictive but declarative, emphasizing God’s present and future purposes.
Key Characteristics of the Office
Divine Calling and Appointment:
Prophets are chosen by God, not self-appointed. Jeremiah’s calling illustrates this truth:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5, ESV).
Spokespersons for God:
Prophets convey God’s message, often beginning with, “Thus says the Lord.” This emphasizes their role as direct communicators of divine revelation. For example, Moses is described as speaking with God face-to-face, then relaying His commands to Israel (Exodus 33:11).Call to Repentance and Covenant Faithfulness:
Prophets were frequently sent to confront sin and call God’s people back to covenant obedience. Isaiah’s mission encapsulates this:
“Cry aloud; do not hold back; lift up your voice like a trumpet; declare to my people their transgression, to the house of Jacob their sins” (Isaiah 58:1).Revealing God’s Future Plans:
While not the sole purpose of prophecy, foretelling future events is a significant aspect of the prophetic office. Prophets often announced impending judgment (e.g., Amos 3:7) or messianic hope, as seen in Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Savior:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder...” (Isaiah 9:6).Validation Through Fulfillment:
Deuteronomy 18:21-22 establishes the standard for a true prophet: their words must come to pass. If their prophecies fail, they are deemed false.
Description of their Role in Scripture
Biblical prophets served during critical moments in salvation history, often amidst widespread apostasy or national crises. They acted as covenant enforcers, reminding Israel of God’s law and urging repentance. They also bore the weight of persecution, as their messages were often unpopular (e.g., Elijah’s conflict with Ahab and Jezebel, 1 Kings 18).
Prophets were not confined to a specific office or class; God called individuals across various backgrounds, such as shepherds (Amos), priests (Ezekiel), and court officials (Isaiah). Ultimately, the prophetic office culminated in Jesus Christ, the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King (Hebrews 1:1-2).
Fundamental Scripture References
Exodus 7:1-2: God appoints Moses as His mouthpiece before Pharaoh.
Numbers 12:6: God declares His method of communicating with prophets.
Deuteronomy 18:15-19: A prophecy of the ultimate Prophet to come, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Jeremiah 23:28-29: The power of the prophet’s words to reveal God’s truth.
Hebrews 1:1-2: The prophetic office finds its fulfillment in Christ, the final and perfect revelation of God.
Summary
The office of the Biblical prophet, is an essential part of God’s self-revelation. Prophets faithfully pointed to God’s righteousness, mercy, and redemptive purposes, ultimately culminating in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Their messages continue to instruct and inspire believers today, reminding the Church of the unchanging character and sovereign plans of God.
The Redemptive Historical Framework of Prophecy
Jesus Christ, as God’s final prophet and mouthpiece, embodies the culmination of God’s revelation to humanity. Throughout history, God spoke to His people through prophets, delivering His word and guidance. However, in Jesus, God’s Word became incarnate, dwelling among us in the fullest expression of divine truth and grace. As Hebrews 1:1-2 declares, "In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son."
Jesus' role as the ultimate prophet goes beyond mere communication of God’s will; He is the living Word, the Logos, as described in John 1:1. Unlike the prophets of old, who served as intermediaries, Jesus spoke with the authority of God Himself because He is God in the flesh. His teachings, miracles, and very presence revealed God’s character, purpose, and kingdom in ways that transcended previous revelations. When Jesus declared, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9), He affirmed that His life was a perfect reflection of God’s nature and love.
As the final prophet, Jesus not only proclaimed the word of God but also fulfilled it. He brought to fruition the prophecies of the Old Testament, revealing Himself as the promised Messiah and Savior. His ministry was marked by the ultimate act of love and obedience—His sacrificial death on the cross and His triumphant resurrection. This redemptive work established a new covenant, making salvation accessible to all who believe. In this sense, Jesus’ message was not just spoken; it was lived and demonstrated through His actions.
Furthermore, Jesus’ prophetic ministry continues through the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and empowers the church to be His mouthpiece in the world. Before His ascension, Jesus promised the Spirit’s coming, saying, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" (John 14:26). At Pentecost, the Spirit descended on the apostles, enabling them to speak God’s truth boldly and effectively. This marked the beginning of a new era in which God’s presence dwells not in a temple or through a single prophet but within every believer.
Through the Spirit, Christ’s voice continues to resonate in the hearts of His followers. The Spirit guides, teaches, and empowers Christians to live out and proclaim the gospel. As members of Christ’s body, believers collectively function as His representatives on earth, sharing His love and truth with a world in need. Paul affirms this in 2 Corinthians 5:20: "We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us."
In conclusion, Jesus Christ is the ultimate prophet, the final and complete revelation of God’s will. His life and ministry perfectly expressed God’s truth, and through His Spirit, His message continues to transform lives. As His followers, we are called to embody and proclaim this divine truth, allowing the Spirit to work in and through us to fulfill God’s purposes on earth.
