Introduction

In the biblical narrative, prophets hold a significant role as the mouthpieces of God, delivering His divine messages to His people. The role of prophets is intricately connected to the communication of God's Word, serving as a bridge between the divine and the human realms. This entry explores the multifaceted role of prophets and the nature of God's Word as revealed through them.

The Calling and Commissioning of Prophets

Prophets in the Bible are individuals chosen by God to convey His messages. Their calling is often marked by a divine encounter or revelation. For instance, Isaiah's commissioning is described in Isaiah 6:8-9 : "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!' And He replied, 'Go and tell this people...'" Similarly, Jeremiah's call is recorded in Jeremiah 1:4-5 : "The word of the LORD came to me, saying: 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'"

Functions of Prophets

1. Proclamation of God's Word: Prophets are primarily tasked with proclaiming God's Word, which includes messages of warning, judgment, and hope. They often address the moral and spiritual state of the people, calling them to repentance and obedience. For example, the prophet Amos declares, "The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?" (Amos 3:8).

2. Foretelling and Forthtelling: Prophets engage in both foretelling future events and forthtelling, which involves speaking forth God's truth into present circumstances. The book of Daniel contains prophecies about future kingdoms and the coming of the Messiah, while the prophet Micah forthtells God's requirements for His people: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8).

3. Intercession: Prophets often serve as intercessors, standing in the gap between God and His people. Moses, for example, intercedes for Israel after their sin with the golden calf, pleading with God to spare them (Exodus 32:11-14).

4. Symbolic Actions: Prophets sometimes perform symbolic actions to convey God's messages. Ezekiel's actions, such as lying on his side for an extended period to symbolize the siege of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 4:4-6), serve as vivid illustrations of divine truths.

The Authority of God's Word through Prophets

The words spoken by prophets carry the authority of God Himself. As such, they are to be received with reverence and obedience. The prophet Isaiah emphasizes the enduring nature of God's Word: "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8). This underscores the belief that prophetic messages are not merely human words but divine revelations with eternal significance.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy

The fulfillment of prophecy serves as a testament to the reliability and truth of God's Word. Many Old Testament prophecies find their fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. For instance, the prophecy of the virgin birth in Isaiah 7:14 is fulfilled in Matthew 1:22-23 : "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')."

The Role of Prophets in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the role of prophets continues, though it is often seen in the context of the early church. Prophets are listed among the gifts given to the church for its edification (Ephesians 4:11). The book of Acts records instances of prophetic activity, such as Agabus predicting a famine (Acts 11:28) and warning Paul of his impending arrest (Acts 21:10-11).

Conclusion

The role of prophets and the communication of God's Word through them is a central theme in the biblical narrative. Prophets serve as God's chosen vessels to deliver His messages, call His people to righteousness, and reveal His plans for the future. Through their words and actions, they provide insight into the character and will of God, underscoring the enduring authority and truth of His Word.