When studying the prophetic writings in the Old Testament, it’s essential to first ask: What defines a prophet in this context? To whom do these prophetic messages belong, and which figures in the Old Testament can be considered prophets? This question is not as straightforward as it may seem, and understanding prophecy requires us to engage carefully with the text itself.
The Challenge of Defining "Prophet"
At the outset, we must recognize that not every figure who communicated with God is necessarily a prophet in the Old Testament. For instance, characters such as Cain, Hagar, Abimelech, Laban, and Manoah’s wife had direct interactions with God or angels, but they are not considered prophets. If we define a prophet as anyone who has communication with God, we would end up with an overly broad and imprecise definition, as these figures were not given the role of delivering messages to others or guiding a community.
Similarly, we must be cautious about narrowing our definition too much by focusing only on individuals specifically labeled as “prophet” in the text. Figures like Aaron, Miriam, Deborah, Abraham, Samuel, and Huldah were all called “prophet” or “prophetess” at some point, but that does not automatically imply they all performed the same function or role. Not all were necessarily prophets in the same way or to the same degree.
Prophecy: A Divine Commission
The key distinction that helps clarify who qualifies as a prophet is their role as divinely commissioned messengers. Prophecy in the Old Testament is not merely about receiving communication from God; it involves a specific commissioning to deliver a message to others, particularly to the people of Israel. This role is about mediating the word of God and guiding others toward divine righteousness, often through exhortation, warning, or guidance.
Not all divine communication is prophecy. There are two main types of divine interaction with humans in the Old Testament:
- Revelation or assistance: This is when God communicates to reveal a truth or provide help to an individual, but it is not necessarily part of a broader message or mission.
- Commission or message: This type of communication is what defines prophecy. God sends a person with a specific mission to deliver a message to the people, especially a message of admonition or instruction. This is what makes someone a prophet.
For example, when Moses is called by God in Exodus 3, he is tasked with leading the Israelites out of Egypt: “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” Similarly, Isaiah receives a calling in Isaiah 6: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'” In both cases, the individual is chosen for a specific mission to deliver a message from God, making them a prophet.
The Prophet as God's Messenger
In the Old Testament, the prophet is unmistakably God’s messenger—an intermediary through whom divine words and instructions are conveyed. The prophet is not simply a passive recipient of divine communication but an active participant in delivering the Lord’s message to others. This idea is captured by the words of the prophet Amos: “The lion has roared—who will not fear? The sovereign Lord has spoken—who can but prophesy?” (Amos 3:8). This emphasizes that a prophet must speak the words placed in their mouth, regardless of personal reluctance.
Interestingly, the prophets often express reluctance or hesitation to accept their divine commission. Moses is reluctant to confront Pharaoh, asking, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). Similarly, Jeremiah protests, “Alas, Sovereign Lord, I do not know how to speak; I am too young” (Jeremiah 1:6). Despite these hesitations, the prophets are compelled to fulfill their mission, as they are instruments of God.
Chronological Division of Prophetic Eras
The role of the prophet in the Old Testament spans different historical periods. These eras can be divided as follows:
- Prophets Before Moses: The first figures to serve as prophets were Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (the patriarchs). Noah, for instance, was commanded to build the ark and warned of the coming flood, making him the first prophetic figure. Abraham, though not called to Israel alone, was given a mission to be a blessing to all nations: “Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him” (Genesis 18:18). His mission was to teach justice and righteousness, and through his descendants, the people of Israel would be chosen to fulfill this purpose.
- Moses: The Master Prophet: Moses holds a unique position in Old Testament prophecy, as no other prophet in Israel is described as having such an intimate relationship with God. The Torah states, “Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face” (Deuteronomy 34:10). Moses is the lawgiver, and all subsequent prophets called the Israelites to follow the commandments he delivered.
