A prophet in the Old Testament was someone who acted as God’s spokesperson, conveying messages from God to people. The English word “prophet” comes from the Greek word “prophetes”, which means “one who speaks on behalf of another”. In the Old Testament, prophets were individuals called by God to be His representatives on earth. They spoke God’s word and often predicted future events. Here is an overview of prophets in the Old Testament:
Definition and Role of Prophets
The Hebrew word for prophet, “nabi”, means “one who is called” or “one who is spoken to”. A prophet was someone who received direct revelations from God and communicated those messages to others. Their primary role was to call people back to obedience to God. They warned of coming judgment for sin and urged repentance. They also spoke of future events related to God’s redemption plan. Prophets were God’s messengers, sent to deliver His words to the people (Exodus 3:10, Jeremiah 1:7).
True prophets were not self-appointed but were chosen and called by God for their role (Isaiah 6:8-9). They did not speak their own ideas but faithfully delivered the word of God, often beginning their messages with “Thus says the Lord” (Exodus 5:1, Jeremiah 2:2). When prophets gave predictions about the future, it was because God chose to reveal it to them (Amos 3:7). Their prophecies were intended to direct attention to God and authenticate their call as His spokespersons.
Qualifications of Prophets
For someone to be recognized as a true prophet sent from God, certain qualifications had to be met. First, their message had to accurately reflect the true nature and commands of God (Deuteronomy 13:1-3). Any prophecy contradicting God’s revelation was rejected. Second, their predictions of future events had to come true (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). God would not give false prophecies through a true prophet. Finally, their lives were to exemplify holiness as they were set apart for God’s work (Jeremiah 1:5).
In the Old Testament, prophets were primarily men but there were a few women who served in the prophetic role, including Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14) and the wife of Isaiah (Isaiah 8:3). The prophet’s age did not seem to be a factor, as there were some very young prophets like Jeremiah who was called while still a youth (Jeremiah 1:6-7).
Types of Prophets
There were several types of prophets in the Old Testament period:
- Non-Writing Prophets – Many prophets delivered oral messages from God but did not record those words in writings. This would include prophets like Elijah, Elisha, and the many unnamed prophets referenced throughout the Old Testament. The only record we have of their prophecies are those reported or referenced in the historical books.
- Writing Prophets – These prophets not only spoke God’s messages but preserved those words through writings attributed directly to them. This group includes prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the twelve Minor Prophets. Their books are included in the prophetic section of the Old Testament.
- High Prophets – This refers to those prophets who served in an official leadership capacity to the nation of Israel as God’s representative. It would include prophets like Samuel, Elijah and Elisha. They directed the kings and the people as a whole.
- Cultic Prophets – Some prophets were connected to the religious sanctuary and in charge of worship music. This group includes Asaph and Jeduthun and their sons who prophesied through music (1 Chronicles 25:1). King David appointed these prophets to lead temple worship.
In addition to these distinct types of prophets, sometimes God’s Spirit came upon an ordinary person for a specific time and purpose to deliver a prophetic message (Numbers 11:25-26). Though they weren’t prophets by occupation, God spoke through them on occasion to deliver His words.
Major Prophets in the Old Testament
There are five prophets traditionally classified as Major Prophets based on the size and significance of their writings. Here is a brief overview of these important prophetic figures:
Isaiah
Isaiah prophesied in Jerusalem during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah (Isaiah 1:1). He served from approximately 740-686 B.C. during a period of national crisis for Judah. Isaiah’s prophecies include messages of judgment against immorality and idolatry as well as prophetic visions about the coming Messiah and His kingdom on earth (Isaiah 53, Isaiah 9:6-7).
Jeremiah
Jeremiah was a priest from Anathoth near Jerusalem who served as prophet during the reigns of the last five kings of Judah from 627 to 586 B.C. His ministry covered the period just before and after the Babylonian exile. Jeremiah delivered messages calling Judah to repentance in light of coming judgment. He prophecied that the exile would last 70 years then the people would return (Jeremiah 25:11-12).
Ezekiel
Ezekiel began his prophetic ministry among the exiles in Babylon after he was taken from Jerusalem in 597 BC. His task was to prepare the exiles for the destruction of Jerusalem which occurred in 586 B.C. Ezekiel warned that judgment would also come to the nations around Israel. He prophesied about a future era of national restoration under the Messiah.
Daniel
Daniel served as a high government official in Babylon after being exiled from Judah around 605 B.C. His prophetic ministry interpreted visions and dreams predicting future kingdoms and culminates with prophecy about the coming Messianic kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14). The book takes place during the Jewish exile but the visions point forward to the days of the Messiah.
Zechariah
Zechariah was a post-exilic prophet who served in Jerusalem after the return from Babylon beginning around 520 B.C. His ministry encouraged the rebuilding of the temple. Zechariah called the people to repentance and faithfulness. He prophesied extensively about the coming Messiah and His rejection and death on behalf of sinners (Zechariah 12:10).
Characteristics of Prophets
As can be seen in the examples above, some common characteristics emerged among the prophets of the Old Testament:
- They were called by God – prophecy was not their own initiative but God’s directive.
- They were messengers of God’s truth – their message was given by divine revelation.
- They were reformers – their purpose was calling people back to obedience.
- They revealed future events – prophecy often involved revealing what was to come.
- They were poets – they used vivid imagery and literary techniques to communicate God’s word.
- They performed symbolic acts – they acted out prophecies and dramatized God’s message.
So in summary, prophets spoke on God’s behalf at His initiative and delivered a message that ultimately pointed to the fulfillment of redemption through Jesus Christ. The testimony of Jesus says that all the prophets bore witness about Him (Acts 10:43).
Functions of Prophets
What specific functions did prophets carry out in service to God? Here are some of their key duties according to the biblical record:
- Declared the word of God – they boldly proclaimed “Thus says the Lord” (Isaiah 7:7, Jeremiah 2:2).
- Called for repentance – they rebuked sin and rebellion and urged return to God (Jeremiah 23:22, Ezekiel 3:19).
- Warned of judgment for sin – they announced coming calamity and exile for disobedience (Micah 3:12, Daniel 9:11-12).
- Confronted false teaching – they opposed false prophets and wicked leaders (Jeremiah 23, Ezekiel 13:2-3).
- Encouraged obedience to the law – they directed people to follow God’s statutes and precepts (Ezekiel 22:26, Zechariah 7:12).
- Foretold the future – they revealed events to come under God’s direction (Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2).
- Covenanted with God – they often performed signs to seal God’s promises (Jeremiah 34:18, Ezekiel 37).
- Led worship – some prophets like Asaph and Jeduthun led music as appointed leaders (1 Chronicles 25:1-3).
- Conveyed blessings – they pronounced blessings by God’s authority (2 Kings 4:44, Jeremiah 31:23).
Tests for a True Prophet
Since false prophets also arose (Jeremiah 14:14, Jeremiah 23:16), the Bible provided ways to test the validity of those claiming to speak for God. True prophets:
- Spoke in God’s name (Jeremiah 14:14)
- Had morally upright character (Jeremiah 23:14)
- Proclaimed doctrinal orthodoxy (Deuteronomy 13:1-5)
- Predicted future events accurately (Deuteronomy 18:21-22)
- Glorified God, not themselves (Jeremiah 23:16)
- Called people to repentance and obedience (Ezekiel 2:7)
- Endured persecution (Matthew 5:11-12)
- Bore good spiritual fruit in works (Matthew 7:15-20)
False prophets failed these tests because they prophesied their own delusions and ungodly agendas. They served idols, misled people into sin and gave messages that deceived and manipulated people for selfish gain. They claimed to speak for God but did not faithfully represent His true message and Nature (Lamentations 2:14, Micah 3:5).
Fulfillment in Jesus Christ
The Old Testament prophets not only called Israel back to faithfulness, but their prophecies pointed ahead to the coming of the Messiah and His kingdom. Jesus fulfilled the prophecies about the Messiah, identifying Himself as the suffering Servant prophesied by Isaiah (Luke 4:18-21). After His resurrection, Jesus explained how all the prophets foretold what happened (Luke 24:25-27). The prophets found their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Jesus was the Prophet par excellence – He perfectly revealed God and delivered God’s final word (Luke 7:16, Hebrews 1:1-2). Just as the Old Testament prophets called the people to repentance, so did Jesus announce that the kingdom of God was at hand and people must repent and believe (Matthew 4:17). Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophetic office.
Legacy of the Prophets
The Old Testament prophets occupy an integral part in God’s self-revelation through salvation history. Here is how they contributed to the ongoing story of redemptive revelation:
- Prepared for the Messiah – they set the stage for the coming of Christ.
- Bore witness to Christ – their prophecies pointed to the Messiah (Luke 24:27).
- Validated Scripture – their ministry and miracles authenticated them as God’s messengers.
- Provided models of righteousness – they embodied courage, devotion and integrity.
- Condemned sin and idolatry – they confronted apostasy and called for repentance.
- Foretold the future – they revealed God’s plans and enabled recognition of fulfillment.
- Stirred expectation for the kingdom – they raised hope for the Messiah’s eternal rule.
When Jesus began His ministry, people saw Him as a prophet, but He was the fulfillment of what all the prophets had spoken (Matthew 21:11, Luke 24:19). Even after Jesus, prophets like Agabus continued to speak God’s word in the early church (Acts 11:28). But Jesus was the supreme Prophet who revealed God’s truth and redemption most completely. All prophecy finds its meaning in Jesus Christ.
So in summary, a prophet in the Old Testament was a spokesperson for God who delivered divine messages, often foretelling future events related to redemptive history culminating in Jesus Christ. They spoke for God, confronting sin and calling people to faithfulness. While diverse in their individual messages, the prophets collectively point to the full revelation that would one day come through Christ.