1. Bible Survey Notes The Old Testament Prophets

2. I. Introduction to the Prophets
A. Who were the Old Testament Prophets?
Nabi = Prophet One who is anointed to proclaim the whole counsel/word of God (Entire Message / Good & Bad and the Mission of God)
2. Roeh = Seer. One who can perceive things in the spiritual realm through visions, dreams and revelations from God to discern the truth and/or the future.

3. B. Why did God appoint prophets?
1. God did not want his people to be like the other nations who practiced sorcery, witchcraft, and divination to discern truth and/or the future:

4. Isaiah 8:19-20
When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.

5. You are to be different (A HOLY NATION) Remember: God said to Moses - “A prophet like you” = Jesus
(Deuteronomy 18:17-20)
The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do so. The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him…

6. Deuteronomy 18:17-20
The LORD said to me: “What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name. But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, is to be put to death.”

7. Proof of a False Prophet
You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?” If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed.
Deuteronomy 18:21-22

8. II. What was the prophet's purpose and message?
A. Purpose of the Prophets 1. Forthtelling: Explaining God's word (God’s Mission / Kingdom and Covenant) 2. Foretelling: Explaining the consequences a. for being disloyal covenant breakers (Judgment/Discipline) b. for being loyal covenant keepers (Blessing)

9. B. Four Themes of the Prophet’s Message
1. Expose the sinful practices and attitudes of the people 2. Call the people to repentance (return to the moral, social and ceremonial law of God out of love for God) 3. Warn the people of coming judgment / discipline 4. Instill Hope for the people in anticipation the coming Messiah (Jesus) who would fulfill God’s mission and restore all things

10. C. Four Reference Points of the Prophet’s Message
1. The Prophet’s own time and circumstances 2. The coming judgment of God, captivity (Assyria & Babylon) and return of a remnant of Judah from Babylon.

11. 3. The 1st coming of the Messiah: his work of establishing a new everlasting unconditional Kingdom & Covenant with God through his suffering 4. The 2nd coming of the Messiah: his work of establishing a new world order of sinless, deathless bliss (God’s Mission accomplished).