In the Blue Letter Bible, a prophet is defined as a person chosen by God to convey messages or revelations from Him to the people, often including guidance, warning, or prediction. Prophets serve as intermediaries, exercising the role of proclaiming God’s truth and will.
Scripture
15 “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—”
16 just as you desired of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’
17 And the Lord said to me, ‘They are right in what they have spoken.
18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.
19 And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.
20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.
21 And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?’
22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.
Definition of Prophet in the Bible
The role of a prophet in the Bible is one of great significance, as these individuals are appointed by God to communicate divine messages and guide His people. Prophets serve as intermediaries, relaying warnings, guidance, and revelations that often concern the moral and spiritual condition of the community or the unfolding of future events. For example, in the book of Isaiah, the prophet is seen not only as a foreteller of events but also as a teacher who calls for repentance (Isaiah 55:6-7). Similarly, Ezekiel is called to be a watchman for the house of Israel, tasked with sounding the alarm about impending judgment (Ezekiel 3:17). This characterizes the prophet as a vital figure in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people.
Moreover, the broader meaning of prophecy reveals a relational dynamic between God and humanity. Prophets are often given the difficult task of speaking God’s truth in times of moral decay or disobedience, as highlighted in the call of Jeremiah, where God tells him not to be afraid of their faces (Jeremiah 1:8). This underscores the courage required in fulfilling their calling. Additionally, in the New Testament, the role of a prophet expands to include the early Christian community, as seen in the gift of prophecy being listed among the spiritual gifts intended for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 12:28). Therefore, the prophets’ messages often encompass themes of hope and restoration, ultimately pointing towards a future fulfillment in Christ, who is the ultimate prophet (Hebrews 1:1-2). Thus, the definition of a prophet encompasses not just a mere delivery of messages, but an inherent call to challenge, inspire, and forge a deeper connection between God and His people across both the Old and New Testaments.
In addition to the prophetic roles highlighted in both the Old and New Testaments, the complexity of a prophet’s function can be traced throughout the biblical narrative. Prophets were often called to speak amidst societal turmoil and national crisis, acting not only as communicators of God’s will but as agents of social justice. For instance, figures such as Amos and Micah emphasized the importance of righteousness and ethics, calling out injustices being perpetrated against the vulnerable and marginalized. Their messages often cut to the heart of societal issues, demanding accountability from leaders and urging the people to turn back to God with sincere hearts.
Furthermore, the prophetic tradition extends into the realm of personal and communal transformation. The prophets frequently used symbolic actions or parables to convey their messages in a poignant manner, eliciting a deeper response from their audience. Their role was not merely predictive but also didactic, teaching the people about God’s character and His expectations. Additionally, in the New Testament context, the concept of prophecy becomes more communal, as seen in the practice of prophesying within the church gatherings, where individuals are encouraged to share insights that build up the body of Christ. This expansion reflects a dynamic interpretation of a prophet’s calling that embraces both individual accountability and corporate edification, woven together by a common purpose—seeing the fulfillment of God’s kingdom on earth. The definition of a prophet thus evolves beyond isolation, integrating community engagement and spiritual growth.
The Role of a Prophet as a Messenger of God
In biblical terms, a prophet is primarily seen as a messenger who conveys God’s will and messages to His people. This role involves not only delivering prophecies about future events but also calling individuals and communities to repentance and faithfulness. Prophets serve as intermediaries, articulating divine truths and guiding the moral and spiritual direction of the people.
Prophets as Spiritual Leaders and Guides
Beyond their role as messengers, prophets often function as spiritual leaders who provide guidance and counsel to their communities. They are tasked with interpreting God’s laws and teachings, helping individuals understand how to live in accordance with divine principles. This leadership role can involve addressing social injustices, encouraging faithfulness, and fostering a deeper relationship between the people and God.
The Prophetic Call to Social Justice
Many prophets in the Bible are also known for their emphasis on social justice and ethical living. They challenge societal norms and injustices, advocating for the marginalized and oppressed. This aspect of the prophetic role highlights the importance of not only spiritual fidelity but also the necessity of living out one’s faith through actions that promote justice, mercy, and compassion within the community.
How to Embrace God’s Will as a Better Christian
Embracing God’s will is a journey that requires both patience and openness, and it often begins with a sincere desire to align your heart with His. Start by cultivating a habit of prayer and reflection, asking God to reveal His plans for you while being willing to listen and discern His voice amidst the noise of daily life. Dive into Scripture, as the Bible is rich with guidance and wisdom that can illuminate your path; consider passages like Jeremiah 29:11, which reminds us that God has plans for our welfare and hope. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can support and encourage you, sharing their own experiences of seeking God’s will. Remember, it’s not just about making big decisions but also about the small, everyday choices that reflect His love and grace. Trust that as you seek Him earnestly, He will guide your steps, and you will find joy in the journey of becoming the person He created you to be.
Bible References to Definition of Prophet:
Jeremiah 1:4-10: 4 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.”
7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.
8 Be not afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.
9 Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.
10 See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”
Ezekiel 2:1-7: 1 And he said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.”
2 And the Spirit entered into me when he spoke to me, and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.
3 And he said to me, “Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day.
4 And the descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’
5 And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them.
6 And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions. Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.
7 And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house.
Amos 3:7-8: 7 “For the Lord God does nothing
without revealing his secret
to his servants the prophets.
8 The lion has roared; who will not fear?
The Lord God has spoken; who can but prophesy?”
1 Samuel 3:1-10: 3 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.
2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place.
3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was.
4 Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!”
5 and he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down.
6 And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.”
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy.
9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”
Numbers 12:6-8: 6 And he said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream.
7 Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house.
8 With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
Isaiah 6:1-8: 1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.
2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
3 And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar.
7 And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”
8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”
Hosea 12:10-13: 10 I spoke to the prophets; it was I who multiplied visions, and through the prophets gave parables.
11 If Gilead is iniquity,
they shall surely come to nothing.
In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls;
their altars also are like stone heaps
on the furrows of the field.
12 Jacob fled to the land of Aram;
there Israel served for a wife,
and for a wife he guarded sheep.
13 The Lord brought Israel out of Egypt by a prophet,
and due to a prophet, he was guarded.
Acts 3:22-24: 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you.
23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’
24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days.
Hebrews 1:1-2: 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,
2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.