Introduction

In the biblical narrative, prophets hold a significant role as the mouthpieces of God, entrusted with conveying His divine will and guidance to His people. The role of prophets is intricately linked 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 in the Bible and their relationship with God's Word, drawing from the Berean Standard Bible for scriptural references.

Definition and Purpose of Prophets

Prophets in the Bible are individuals chosen by God to deliver His messages to the people. They are often called to speak on matters of spiritual, moral, and social importance, urging the people to align with God's will. The Hebrew word for prophet, "nabi," implies one who is called or appointed to speak on behalf of another, specifically God. Prophets serve as intermediaries, conveying divine revelations, warnings, and promises.

The Call and Commissioning of Prophets

The call of a prophet is a divine initiative, often marked by a personal encounter with God. For instance, the call of Isaiah 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 emphasizes God's foreknowledge and appointment: "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" (Jeremiah 1:5).

Functions of Prophets

1. Proclamation of God's Word: Prophets are primarily tasked with proclaiming God's Word. This includes delivering messages of repentance, judgment, and hope. The prophet Amos, for example, declares, "Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7).

2. Foretelling and Forthtelling: Prophets engage in both foretelling future events and forthtelling, which involves speaking God's truth into present circumstances. The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of the Messiah, saying, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14).

3. Intercession: Prophets often intercede on behalf of the people, pleading with God for mercy and forgiveness. Moses, for instance, interceded for Israel after the sin of the golden calf, as recorded in Exodus 32:11-14.

4. Covenant Enforcement: Prophets remind the people of their covenantal obligations to God. They call for a return to faithfulness and adherence to God's laws. The prophet Malachi, for example, admonishes the people for their unfaithfulness and calls them to return to God (Malachi 3:7).

The Authority of Prophets

Prophets speak with divine authority, as their messages originate from God. This authority is evident in the phrase "Thus says the LORD," which frequently precedes prophetic declarations. The authenticity of a prophet's message is confirmed by its alignment with God's revealed character and purposes, as well as the fulfillment of prophetic predictions.

The Relationship Between Prophets and Scripture

Prophets play a crucial role in the formation and transmission of Scripture. Many prophetic writings are preserved in the Old Testament, forming a significant portion of the biblical canon. These writings not only convey God's Word to the original audience but also continue to speak to subsequent generations. The New Testament affirms the enduring relevance of the prophetic word, as seen in 2 Peter 1:19-21 : "And we have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. You will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."

The Role of Prophets in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the role of prophets continues, though with some distinctions. John the Baptist is recognized as a prophet who prepares the way for Jesus, the ultimate revelation of God's Word. Jesus Himself fulfills the prophetic office, embodying and proclaiming God's Word. The early church also recognizes the gift of prophecy as a means of edification, encouragement, and consolation (1 Corinthians 14:3).

Conclusion

The role of prophets in the Bible is integral to the communication of God's Word. Through their divinely appointed messages, prophets call God's people to faithfulness, repentance, and hope, serving as vital instruments in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.