Topical Bible: Prophecy: They Who Uttered: Raised up by God

◄ Prophecy: They Who Uttered: Raised up by God ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Prophecy, within the biblical context, refers to the divinely inspired utterances of individuals chosen by God to convey His messages to humanity. These individuals, known as prophets, were raised up by God to serve as His mouthpieces, delivering warnings, guidance, and revelations concerning His will and future events. The role of the prophet is a significant theme throughout the Scriptures, highlighting God's sovereign choice in selecting and empowering His messengers.

Old Testament Prophets

In the Old Testament, God raised up numerous prophets to speak to His people, Israel. These prophets were often called during times of spiritual decline, idolatry, or impending judgment. One of the earliest prophets, Moses, was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and to deliver the Law. In Deuteronomy 18:18, God promises, "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" .

Samuel, another prominent prophet, was raised up during a period of moral and spiritual decay. As a child, he was called by God to serve as a prophet and judge over Israel (1 Samuel 3:19-21). God continued to raise prophets such as Elijah and Elisha, who performed miracles and called the nation back to covenant faithfulness.

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel are among the major prophets who were raised up during critical periods in Israel's history. Isaiah was called to prophesy during the reigns of several kings, delivering messages of both judgment and hope. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," was raised up to warn of the impending Babylonian exile. God assured him, "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).

New Testament Prophets

In the New Testament, the role of prophecy continues, with John the Baptist being a pivotal figure. Raised up by God, John was the forerunner of Christ, calling people to repentance and preparing the way for the Messiah (Matthew 3:1-3). Jesus Himself affirmed John's prophetic role, stating, "This is the one about whom it is written: 'Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You'" (Matthew 11:10).

The early church also recognized the gift of prophecy as an essential function within the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, encouraged the exercise of prophetic gifts for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 14:1-5). Agabus, a prophet in the early church, is noted for predicting a severe famine and warning Paul of his impending arrest (Acts 11:28; 21:10-11).

Characteristics of God-Raised Prophets

Prophets raised up by God often shared common characteristics. They were called and commissioned by God, sometimes through dramatic encounters or visions. Their messages were authoritative, often challenging the status quo and calling for repentance. Prophets were frequently met with resistance, persecution, and rejection, yet they remained steadfast in their mission.

The authenticity of a prophet was validated by the fulfillment of their prophecies and their alignment with God's revealed truth. Deuteronomy 18:22 provides a test for true prophecy: "If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come to pass, that is a message the LORD has not spoken" .

Conclusion

Throughout biblical history, God has consistently raised up prophets to communicate His divine will and purposes. These individuals, chosen and empowered by God, played a crucial role in guiding, correcting, and encouraging His people. The legacy of prophecy continues to be a testament to God's desire to reveal Himself and His plans to humanity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Amos 2:11
And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O you children of Israel? said the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Prophecy that is Contained in the Prayer and Song of ...
... Chapter 32."Of the Prophecy that is Contained in the ... and grieve" mean, but that in
mourning they shall be ... for the depth is the abyss; and "Uttered its voice ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 32 of the prophecy that.htm

The Saying of Christ, "Destroy this Temple," &C. --Additional ...
... He gave them an answer, at once reproof and prophecy, "Destroy this ... these words,
according to the circumstances under which they were uttered, laying no ...
/.../section 118 the saying of.htm

A vindication of the Prophecy in Isa. vii. 14 against the ...
... Chapter XXI."A vindication of the prophecy in Isa ... For truly this prediction was uttered
before the removal ... doctrines of the evil teachers; that they may learn ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxi a vindication of the.htm

About the Prefigured Change of the Israelitic Kingdom and ...
... offspring, let her say what the prophecy uttered about her ... the earth;" so that these
are they who, hungering ... voice is acknowledged in the prophecy, "Thou wilt ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 4 about the prefigured change.htm

The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith.
... The predictions they uttered were not their own conceptions; not ... they brake not his
legs." Prophecy says, "They ... vinegar to drink." History says, "They gave Him ...
/.../the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the prophetic theme rev gervase.htm

"The Lord is Risen"
... His lips moved, but they uttered no sound ... live, together with My dead body shall
they arise." Their ... illustration of the fulfillment of the prophecy, "Awake and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 81 the lord is.htm

Exhortation to Abandon the Impious Mysteries of Idolatry for the ...
... to bind the captives to corpses till they rot together ... from the beginning gave
revelations by prophecy, but now ... bush, after them the prophets uttered their voice ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter i exhortation to abandon the.htm

Introduction.
... post facto predictions supposed to be uttered by Baruch ... Hermas Pastor [5] refers
to a Prophecy of Eldad ... and they are apocalyptic, in that they foreshadow the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/introduction.htm

Balaam's Prophecy. (Numb. xxiv. 17-19. )
... Moses, on whose person great stress is laid, uttered in his ... They would have been
less than Moses. ... these reasons demand the reference of this prophecy to Christ ...
/.../christology of the old testament/balaams prophecy numb xxiv 17-19.htm

The Recovery and Revival of the Blessed Hope Itself.
... expectation of the Redeemer's Return and was uttered in response to ... To return to
Daniel's prophecy. ... We believe they have reference to the recent and phenomenal ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/1 the recovery and revival.htm