Introduction to Biblical Prophecy © John Stevenson, 2010

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Dr. John T. Stevenson

Course Objectives Define the meaning and importance of prophecy and the role of the prophet in ancient Israel. Understand the historical framework of the time in which biblical prophecy took place to give the proper context to the material. Learn the backgrounds for each of the prophets how they help properly determine the meaning of the book.

Course Objectives Develop an understanding of the overall messages and major themes of each of the prophets, and make appropriate applications to the Church today. Understand the symbols and visions used in apocalyptic literature.

Old Testament Designations for “Prophet” Prophet - aybn Seer Servant Messenger Man of God

The Function of the Old Testament Prophet They functioned as PreachersThey functioned as Preachers They functioned as PredictorsThey functioned as Predictors

Distinctive Roles of Prophet Versus Priest

Historical Books Period of the Patriarchs Exodus and Sinai JudgesKings of Israel and Judah Return Poetic Books Torah Prophetic Books

What do these two passages teach us about the ministry of the prophets? Numbers12:6-8Deuteronomy18:15-22

The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD saying, 2 “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I shall announce My words to you.” 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. Jeremiah 18:1-3

But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make. Jeremiah 18:4

Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, 6 “Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?” declares the LORD. “Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.” Jeremiah 18:5-6

At one moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to uproot, to pull down, or to destroy it; 8 if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent concerning the calamity I planned to bring on it. Jeremiah 18:7-8

Or at another moment I might speak concerning a nation or concern- ing a kingdom to build up or to plant it; 10 if it does evil in My sight by not obeying My voice, then I will think better of the good with which I had promised to bless it. Jeremiah 18:9-10

Prediction If I speak concerning a nation to destroy it Contingency If they turn from their evil Fulfillment I will relent of the calamity If I speak concerning a nation to plant it If they do evil and do not obey I will think better of the good

Conditional Predictions: “If… then” clausesConditional Predictions: “If… then” clauses Unqualified PredictionsUnqualified Predictions Confirmed PredictionsConfirmed Predictions Sworn PredictionsSworn Predictions

Mesopotamia Egypt Hatti Land Bridge DESERT

Independent Tribes A Unified Kingdom

ASSYRIA EGYPT Solomon’s Kingdom

 Bethel Dan Samaria Jerusalem

TorahProphets

Dan Samaria Jerusalem IsaiahHoseaJoelAmosMicah

ASSYRIA EGYPT Jonah

ASSYRIA

Samaria

Assyria Babylon Medes Scythians Carchemish EGYPT Megiddo

Babylon Medes Scythians Carchemish EGYPT JeremiahHabakkukZephaniah Obadiah Nahum

Babylon EGYPT Daniel Ezekiel

Medes Persians Lydians Babylon 

Medes Persians Babylon  HaggaiZechariahMalachi

Marched to India Died in Babylon “To the strongest”

Pompey

Pompey

TorahProphetsN.T.