In the biblical narrative, the sending of a prophet by the LORD is a significant event that underscores God's direct communication with His people. Prophets serve as God's messengers, delivering His words, warnings, and guidance to individuals, nations, or kings. This divine intervention is often seen in times of spiritual decline, moral corruption, or when God's people are in need of direction.

Biblical Instances

One notable instance of the LORD sending a prophet is found in the Book of Judges. During a period of oppression by the Midianites, the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help. In response, God sent a prophet to remind them of their deliverance from Egypt and to rebuke them for their disobedience and idolatry. The prophet's message was clear: "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and all your oppressors. I drove them out before you and gave you their land. And I said to you: I am the LORD your God. You must not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live. But you have not listened to My voice.'" (Judges 6:8-10).

Another significant example is the sending of the prophet Nathan to King David. After David's sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah, the LORD sent Nathan to confront David. Nathan used a parable to reveal David's sin, leading to David's repentance. This event is recorded in 2 Samuel 12, where Nathan declares, "You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul... Why then have you despised the word of the LORD by doing evil in His sight?'" (2 Samuel 12:7-9).

Role and Purpose

The role of a prophet is multifaceted. Prophets are called to:

1. Proclaim God's Word: They deliver messages directly from God, often beginning with "Thus says the LORD." These messages can include calls to repentance, warnings of impending judgment, or promises of future hope.

2. Call for Repentance: Prophets often address the moral and spiritual failings of the people, urging them to return to the covenant relationship with God. Their messages are a call to repentance and a return to righteousness.

3. Foretell Future Events: While not all prophetic messages are predictive, many include elements of future events, particularly concerning God's plans for His people and the coming of the Messiah.

4. Serve as Intermediaries: Prophets act as intermediaries between God and His people, often interceding on behalf of the people or conveying their responses to God.

Characteristics of a True Prophet

The Bible provides criteria for discerning true prophets from false ones. A true prophet's message aligns with God's revealed word and comes to pass as foretold (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). Additionally, true prophets lead people toward God, not away from Him (Deuteronomy 13:1-4).

Significance in Salvation History

The sending of prophets is a testament to God's enduring commitment to His covenant people. Through prophets, God reveals His character, His expectations, and His redemptive plans. Prophets prepare the way for the ultimate revelation of God through Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of the prophetic tradition and the embodiment of God's word (John 1:14).

In summary, the LORD's sending of a prophet is a profound act of divine communication, emphasizing God's desire for His people to know Him, follow His ways, and experience His salvation.