In the biblical context, prophets and seers are individuals chosen by God to convey His messages and reveal His will to the people. These roles are integral to the narrative of the Bible, serving as conduits for divine communication and guidance throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

Definition and Roles

The term "prophet" (Hebrew: נָבִיא, nabi) generally refers to someone who speaks on behalf of God, delivering messages that often include calls to repentance, warnings of judgment, and promises of future hope. Prophets are characterized by their direct communication with God, often through visions, dreams, or divine inspiration. The role of a prophet is not limited to foretelling future events but also includes forth-telling, or proclaiming God's truth to the people.

The term "seer" (Hebrew: רֹאֶה, ro'eh) is often used interchangeably with "prophet," though it emphasizes the visionary aspect of the prophetic experience. Seers are those who receive divine revelations through visions, providing insight into God's plans and purposes. In 1 Samuel 9:9, the text notes, "Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he would say, 'Come, let us go to the seer,' for the prophet of today was formerly called a seer."

Old Testament Prophets and Seers

The Old Testament is replete with prophets and seers who played pivotal roles in Israel's history. Moses is considered the archetypal prophet, as he led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Law from God. In Deuteronomy 18:18, God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses: "I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him."

Other notable prophets include Samuel, who anointed the first kings of Israel; Elijah and Elisha, who performed miracles and confronted idolatry; Isaiah, who prophesied about the coming Messiah; and Jeremiah, who warned of the impending Babylonian exile. Each of these prophets had unique ministries but shared the common purpose of calling Israel back to faithfulness to God.

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. John the Baptist is recognized as a prophet who prepared the way for the Lord, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3. Jesus Himself is acknowledged as a prophet, as seen in Luke 24:19: "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people."

The early church also recognized the gift of prophecy as a spiritual gift, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 12:10 and Ephesians 4:11. Prophets in the New Testament church, such as Agabus (Acts 11:28), provided guidance and edification to the believers.

Characteristics of True Prophets

The Bible provides criteria for discerning true prophets from false ones. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 states that a true prophet's predictions will come to pass, and their messages will align with God's revealed truth. Additionally, true prophets will lead people toward God, not away from Him (Deuteronomy 13:1-3).

Conclusion

Prophets and seers are vital figures in the biblical narrative, serving as God's messengers and instruments of His will. Through their words and actions, they have shaped the course of biblical history and continue to offer insights into God's character and purposes for humanity.