The phrase "The Days of Their Prophecy" refers to a specific period during which God's prophets are active in delivering His messages to the people. This concept is rooted in the biblical understanding of prophecy as a divine communication, often involving foretelling future events, calling for repentance, or revealing God's will and purposes. The role of prophets is central to the biblical narrative, serving as God's mouthpieces and intermediaries between the divine and human realms.

Biblical Context

In the Bible, prophets are chosen by God to convey His messages to His people. The "days of their prophecy" can be understood as the time during which these prophets actively fulfill their divine commission. This period is marked by the delivery of prophecies, which may include warnings of impending judgment, promises of future restoration, or instructions for righteous living.

The Old Testament is replete with examples of prophets and their ministries. Figures such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel are prominent, each having specific periods during which they prophesied. For instance, Jeremiah's prophetic ministry spanned over forty years, during which he warned Judah of the coming Babylonian exile and called for repentance.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of prophecy continues, with John the Baptist being a pivotal prophetic figure who heralds the coming of Jesus Christ. The Book of Revelation, attributed to the Apostle John, also emphasizes the role of prophecy in the end times. Revelation 11:3 states, "And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth." This passage highlights a specific prophetic period during the eschatological events described in Revelation.

Characteristics of Prophetic Days

1. Divine Commission: Prophets are called and empowered by God. Their authority is not self-derived but is a direct result of divine appointment. This is evident in the calling of prophets like Moses (Exodus 3:10) and Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8).

2. Message of Repentance and Hope: Prophetic messages often contain calls to repentance, urging the people to turn back to God. They also offer hope, promising restoration and blessing for obedience. For example, the prophet Joel calls for repentance and promises the outpouring of God's Spirit (Joel 2:12-29).

3. Foretelling and Forthtelling: Prophets engage in both foretelling future events and forthtelling, which involves proclaiming God's truth to the present situation. This dual role is seen in the ministry of prophets like Daniel, who interprets dreams and visions concerning future kingdoms (Daniel 2, 7).

4. Opposition and Rejection: Prophets often face opposition and rejection from those to whom they are sent. Jesus Himself acknowledges this pattern, lamenting over Jerusalem's history of rejecting prophets (Matthew 23:37).

5. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The ultimate validation of a prophet's message is its fulfillment. Deuteronomy 18:22 provides a criterion for true prophecy: "If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken."

Significance in Eschatology

In eschatological contexts, "the days of their prophecy" take on heightened significance. The prophetic ministry of the two witnesses in Revelation is a key element in the unfolding of end-time events. Their testimony, empowered by God, serves as a final call to repentance and a witness to God's sovereignty before the culmination of history.

Conclusion

The "days of their prophecy" underscore the vital role of prophets in God's redemptive plan. Through their messages, God reveals His character, purposes, and the path to salvation. The prophetic voice, whether in ancient Israel or in the eschatological future, remains a powerful testament to God's ongoing engagement with His creation.