The Old Testament is rich with the voices of prophets, individuals God chose to convey His messages to the people of Israel. These prophets can be categorized into various types, each with distinct characteristics and roles. In this blog article, we delve into the five main categories of prophets, exploring their significance and their unique contributions to the tapestry of biblical history.

Early Old Testament Prophets: These prophets emerged in the early history of Israel as a nation. Figures such as Moses (Deut 18:18), Elijah (1 Kings 18:36), Samuel (1 Sam 3:20), and Nathan (2 Sam 12:1-20) played pivotal roles, laying the foundation for the prophetic tradition. Their impact resonated through the centuries, shaping the destiny of God’s chosen people. Some prophets earned their livelihood through their prophetic work. Samuel, for instance, received a silver coin as a token for his prophecies (1 Sam 9:8). What set them apart was their unwavering commitment to delivering God’s messages, even when they contradicted the desires of the ruling authorities.

Canonical Prophets: Prophets whose utterances are recorded in books that bear their names fall into this category. Their writings were accepted as divine truth, serving as a foundation for the Israelites’ faith. These prophets, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, provided profound insights into God’s will and purpose. What were some of the traits of these Canonical prophets? Well, they:

  • Foretold future events
  • Called people to repentance
  • Served as God’s spokesman
  • Announced God’s judgment and restoration
  • Offered hope and encouragement during times of suffering.

Prophetesses: Breaking gender norms, female prophets like Huldah (2 Kings 22:14–20 and 2 Chron 34:22–28) and Miriam (Exod 15:20-21) emerged as powerful voices in the Old Testament. Their inclusion highlights the diversity of God’s chosen messengers and challenges traditional perceptions of prophethood. There are also New Testament examples of Prophettesses; we find Anna (Luke 2:36–38) in the Gospel of Luke and the daughters of Phillip (Acts 21:9). 

New Testament Prophets: In the New Testament, the term “prophet” often recognizes individuals for their prophetic roles or actions. Here are some figures in the New Testament associated with predictive elements. John the Baptist: Often referred to as the last prophet of the Old Testament or the precursor to Jesus, John the Baptist played a crucial role in preparing the way for the Messiah. His ministry of baptism and proclamation of repentance align with the prophetic tradition. Anna the Prophetess: Mentioned in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:36-38), Anna is described as a prophetess who recognized the infant Jesus as the Messiah when he was presented at the temple.

Agabus: Found in the Book of Acts (Acts 11:27-28; Acts 21:10), Agabus is identified as a prophet who predicted a famine and later warned the Apostle Paul about his impending arrest in Jerusalem. Philip’s Daughters: In Acts 21:8-9, Philip, one of the seven chosen in Acts 6, had four unmarried daughters who were prophetesses. Their mention suggests a continuation of the prophetic tradition in the early Christian community. Silas and Judas (Barsabbas): In Acts 15:32, Silas and Judas are referred to as prophets who encouraged and strengthened the believers in Antioch with their message. It should be noted that the New Testament encourages all believers to desire the Prophetic gift (1 Cor 14:1) but clarifies that not all can be called to the office of a Prophet (1 Cor 12:11;29-30). 

False Prophets: Unfortunately, not all who claimed to speak for God were genuine. False prophets exhibited various characteristics, such as demanding payment for their services, living immoral lives, and promoting idolatry. Identifying and discerning true prophets from false ones became crucial for the Israelites.

Characteristics of True Prophets in the Old Testament:

  • They were God’s mouthpieces, responding to His call in faith.
  • Called and chosen by God, they carried out specific tasks.
  • Communicated God’s messages with authority and without fear.
  • They spoke the truth in all circumstances, with their prophecies coming true.
  • Motivated by a higher purpose, they did not seek material gain.
  • They called people to return to the covenant way of life and monotheism.
  • Pronounced God’s judgment, restoration, and hope.
  • Faced persecution for their work, yet led exemplary, prayerful, and righteous lives.
  • Understood the nature of their prophecies, recognizing their divine origin.

Conclusion:

The Old Testament’s tapestry of prophets is woven with diverse threads, each contributing to the unfolding narrative of God’s relationship with His people. Understanding the various categories and characteristics of prophets enhances our appreciation for the intricate role they played in shaping the faith and destiny of the Israelites.