Prophet Manual

PROPHET MANUAL
Good Professor, Ph.D.

Professor
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I. Course Description
To review and investigate what the Old Testament has to say about the
Divine origin of the Prophetic Institution and prophesy. Then proceeds to study
the relation between false and true prophets.
II. Objective
1. The students comprehend the origin of the prophetic institution and prophecy.
2. To be able to attain a thorough knowledge and how to practice prophesy in
the right and biblical way.
III. Course Requirements
1. Read one book, summarize each chapter and submit.
2. Submission of 18 – 25 pages Term Paper
. Should be typewritten in a short bond paper and double space.
. With cover title page, table of contents, introduction, summary, conclusion
& recommendation.
IV, Grading System
1. Attendance 15%
2. Class participation 10%
3. Quizzes 10%
3. Mid Term 20%
4. Final Exam 20%
5. Term Paper (18-25 pages) 25%
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V. References
1. A Survey of OT Introduction
Archer, G.L. 1964
2. Introduction To OT as Scriptures
Childs, B.S. 1979
3. My Servants The Prophets
Edward J. Young
W.M. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.
4. Prophesying For A Release of Faith
Bruce Reekie
Sovereign World, 1993
5. Prophets of fire and Water
Timothy Tow
Christian Life Publishers, 1989
6. Developing Your Prophetic Gifting
Graham Cooke
Sovereign World, 1994
7. The Bible Book by Book
Colemen, Luck, 1955
8. Intro. to the Old Testament
Harrisson, P.K. 1969
9. Simply Understanding the Bible
Irving L. Jensen
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Christian Growth Ministries, 1990
10. Exploring The Old Testament
W.T. Purkiser, Editor
Beacon Hill Press, Kansas City, Mo.
11. Teacher’s Commentary
Lawrence O. Richards
Victor Books
12. The Complete Word Study
Chattanooga, TN, U.S.A.
13. Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament
Warren W. Wiersbe
Christ Victor Publishing
Kingsway Communications, Eastbourne, England
14. Themes in Old Testament Theology
William Dryness
Inter Varsity Press, Illinois
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VI. Course Outline
Introduction 8
Source of the Prophetic Message 8
Dreams or Night Visions 9
Ecstatic Visions 9
Prophesying the Vision of the Lord 10
The Divine Origin of the Prophetic Institution 10
Exposition of Deuteronomy 18:9-22 11
The Identity of the Prophet 12
Deuteronomy 18 contains a double reference 13
A Gift of God 13
Moses and the Prophets 14
Moses my Servant 15
The Terminology of Prophetism 16
What is “to prophesy” 16
The Schools of the Prophets 16
False and True Prophets 17
The False Prophets 17
The Distinction Between True and False Prophets 19
The Prophets as Recipients of Revelation 20
Understanding Prophecy 20
Prophecy and Scripture 21
Strategy and Tactics 22
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Prophecy and History 23
Getting Hold of the False 23
Counter Arguments to Release Prophecy 24
The Value of Prophecy 26
The Gift of Prophecy 30
The Fist Steps in Prophecy 30
Preparation 30
Desire to Prophesy 30
How does prophecy come? 30
Prophecy is Ongoing and Developmental 31
Judging and Weighing Prophecy 34
The Main Tests 34
The Subsidiary Tests 40
The Role of Christian Prophet 41
The Gift of Prophecy 41
The Prophetic Ministry 41
The Office of a Prophet 42
The Importance of Development 43
Features of Old and New Testament Prophets 43
The Christian Prophet 47
Isaiah 51
Jeremiah 54
Lamentations 57
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Ezekiel 60
Daniel 63
Hosea 66
Joel 69
Amos 72
Obadiah 75
Jonah 78
Micah 88
Nahum 82
Habakkuk 84
Zephaniah 86
Haggai 88
Zechariah 91
Malachi 94
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INTRODUCTION
Prophet – is a spokesman for God who declares God’s will to the people. Prophets place
a prominent role both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament.
In the lists or offices (I Cor. 12:27-30; Eph. 4:11-13) the Bible student finds
“prophets” listed immediately after apostles. How familiar is the language “And God
appointed some in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers…” (I Cor.
12:28).
SOURCE OF THE PROPHETIC MESSAGE
One question is basic: where did the prophets obtain his materials?
The Scriptures take full cognizance of the false prophets who prophesy lies and
speak from the deceit of their own heart (Jer. 11:14-15).
These prophets created their own material with any genuine relationship To
Jehovah. In one sense, the true prophets created their own material too, for each one’s
individual style is stamped upon his message or writing, but they did not originate their
message. They stood in a vital relationship to God, and it was he who spoke as well as
they. Hence the ways through with the message came to the prophets are important to the
interpreter.
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DREAMS OR NIGHT VISIONS
Dreams or night visions as media or acquiring knowledge on the part of the
prophets have some use, but they should not be regarded as a main method. A classic
text which refers to this method is Numbers 12:6: “If your prophet be of Jehovah, I will
make myself known unto him in a vision; I will speak in him by means of a dream.” A
true prophet who is of Jehovah or from Jehovah will have God speaking in him or with
him.
The dream or vision seems to be the ordinary dream of the night, with the power
to retain what dreamed (the Hebrew word chazõn, which indicates a higher kind of vision
experience, is not employed here). God here uses a common experience to convey truth
to the prophets. It does not follow, of course, that our dreams are revelations of God.
The dream happens to be one of the manners in which God spoke to the Fathers in (by)
the prophets (Heb. 1:1).
ECSTATIC VISIONS
A much more common source of information for a prophet is what he was in an
ecstatic state. Such an ecstatic state was not a self-induced excitement in which the
prophet jumped around in an irrational manner, but the state was one in which the
prophet had all of his mental and spiritual faculties raised to a new level of performance.
The prophet Habakkuk tells of taking his stand upon a rampant. He looks forth closely to
see what God will speak with him (Hab. 2:1). Here is his alertness and preparation for
God, so that he can lay hold of what God is going to reveal to him. These vision forms or
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experiences were occasionally in the night (Isa. 29:7; Job 4:13;l 20:8; 33:15; 7:14).
However, most of them occurred during the day when God brought to the mind of the
prophet the content which the prophet was later to proclaim. The prophet is said to see
the word or message of Jehovah (Isa. 2:1; Micah 1:1).
PROPHESYING THE VISION OF THE LORD
The revelation of God’s Glory and the corresponding transformation in Isaiah’s
character gave birth to a ministry of signs, wonder and prophetic utterance (Isa. 6:5-9).
Isaiah prophesied out of the vision of the Lord. His prophetic utterances were inspired by
the Spirit through a personal revelation of the holiness and majesty of Almighty God.
Prophecy us the speaking forth of that which one sees and hears in the realm of
the Spirit; it is the articulation of the vision of Jesus Christ!
THE DIVINE ORIGIN OF THE PROPHETIC INSTITUTION
There is one passage in the Old Testament which speaks with some detail bout the
origin of the prophetic institution, namely, the remarkable prophecy given in
Deuteronomy 18:9-22. As it stands, this passage first warns the Israelites, who are about
to enter the promised land, against learning the abominable practices of the heathen
nations. God’s people, it teaches, will have no need to resort to such devices for God will
Himself raise up for them a Prophet who will act as a mediator between themselves and
God, and who will also speak unto them all the words which God will place in his mouth.
Thus, according to this passage, the prophetic institution is of Divine origin. The
prophets, so Deuteronomy teaches, were men raised of God, in whose mouth God’s word
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had been placed, and who uttered that word. They were to stand as a counterpart to the
soothsaying and divination of Canaan, and to them Israel was to hearken. Such is the
plain meaning of the prophecy found in Deuteronomy.
EXPOSITION OF DEUTERONOMY 18:9-22
Our examination will begin with verse nine, and we note first the opening
words. Moses addresses the nation as an individual, using the second person singular.
The setting shows that Israel has not yet entered the land which the Lord is about to
give her. Before she enters she must be warned of certain teachers who will instruct
her in the abominations of the new land, and she must further be told what the Lord
will do for her to enable to avoid these abominations.
The first thing that is told to Israel, therefore, is that when she is come into the
land which the Lord her God is about to give her, she is not to learn to do according
to the abominations of those nations. It is thus made very plain that Israel’s whole
course of life is in the hands of the Lord. She had been his people, whom He had
brought forth from the land of Egypt. Now, he is ready to give her the Promised
Land. It is not a land, which she will be able to take in her own strength, but one
which is to be given to her as a gift. Therefore, since it is her God who gives this land,
He also has the right to state what is to be her conduct therein.
Nine superstitions are enumerated, practices which for one reason or another
the Canaanite employed.
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1. Februation, or the customs of passing one’s son and daughter through
the fire.
The purpose of this rite was either to obtain as oracle or else to
help in averting a calamity.
2. Divination
Basically, the word seems to have the idea of obtaining an
oracle by means of drawing lots. It is used generally in the Old
Testament as a common designation of divination.
3. Observer of times or soothsayer
4. Enchanter
5. Witch
6. Charmer
7. Consulter with a familiar spirit
8. Wizard
9. Necromancer
THE IDENTITY OF THE PROPHET
1. That the prophetic institution did bear a prominent status in the life of
ancient Israel is a fact that cannot successfully be called into question.
2. The second consideration which supports the idea that the present
passage has reference to the establishment of the institution of
prophecy is the reflection upon it in Luke 11:50-51.
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DEUTERONOMY 18 CONTAINS A DOUBLE REFERENCE.
1. There was to be a body of prophets, and institution, which would
declare the words that God commanded.
2. There was to be one great prophet, who alone would be like Moses and
might be compared with him, namely, the Messiah.
A GIFT OF GOD
It must be obvious to every reader of the Bible that the picture of the origin of
prophecy given in Deuteronomy attributes that origin to God Himself. Jehovah speaks
to Moses directly and announces that He will raise up the prophets. This explanation
has ever been accepted by the Church of Christ.
This institution of prophecy, therefore, is to be regarded as a gift of God. It is He
who raise up the prophets and gave them their messages. Whatever else maybe said
about the beginning of prophecy, the institution in no sense found its origin in
Canaan. Moses makes the sharpest possible distinction between what the Canaanites
do and what God will do for Israel. What the Canaanites do is an abomination. What
God will do is to raise up men to whom Israel is to hearken. The New Testament is
right in is interpretation: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:
but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (II Peter 1:21).
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MOSES AND THE PROPHETS
He calls the three to the Tent of Meeting. In this address there is a tacit rebuke to
Aaron and Miriam, for the order in which God addresses them is Moses, Aaron, Miriam.
Moses is given the place of priority; and Aaron is placed ahead of Miriam. This is as it
should be. Miriam has transgressed in leading her brother. She should have hearkened to
him, rather than he to her.
In obedience to God’s call, the three go out to the Tent of Meeting. Here the Lord
comes down in a pillar of cloud and addresses Aaron and Miriam. He calls them by
name, mentioning Aaron first. In response to his call, Aaron and Miriam go out and
Moses evidently remains inside. The Lord then speaks to the two.
Numbers 12:6-8
To such true prophet it is announced that God will communicate by means of vision and
dream.
1. Vision - As employed in this passage the word ‘vision’ means simply that
which is seen. We may understand its force by noting its use in such a passage
as Genesis 46:2. Jacob had journeyed to Beersheba, and at Beersheba he had
offered sacrifices to the God of Isaac his father, “And God spake to Israel in
visions of the night, and he said, Jacob, Jacob; and he said, Here am I.’ The
meaning seems to be clear. During the night Jacob saw a vision and in the
vision God spoke to him. It is with this force also that the word is employed in
Numbers. Since it is used in connection with ‘dream’ we are probably to
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understand the ‘vision’ in a restricted sense, and not as a broad,
comprehensive word for revelation.
2. Dream- The other method by which God would communicate with true
prophets was the dream. The vision and dream, then, stand out as the two
media by which God will reveal Himself to true prophets.
MOSES MY SERVANT
To Moses therefore, God will reveal Himself in a unique manner. Four phrases
are used, and they all go to emphasize the fact that God’s speaking to Moses will be plain
and clear in distinction from the more obscure methods used in communicating with the
true prophets.
In the first place it is said that God will speak to Moses “mouth to mouth.” The
phrase appears only in this present passage, and signifies that God will speak directly and
immediately, without reserve, as friends converse together.
In Exodus 33:11a “And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man
speaketh unto his friend.’ In free personal intercourse, without any mediation, and with
the same clearly and certainly that the spoken word carries, God would make known to
Moses His will and ways.
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THE TERMINOLOGY OF PROPHETISM
What is “to prophesy”
We have adopted the position that the verb “to prophesy” which occurs in the
Old Testament is a denominative; that is, it is derived from the noun ‘prophet’.
Before we can conclude our survey of the terms which are employed to
designate the prophet, we must pay some attention to this verb.
In Amos said “And Amaziah said unto Amos, Seer! Go, flee thee unto the
land of Judah, and eat bread there, and there do thou prophesy (tinnabhe). But at
Bethel, do not thou any more prophesy (lehinnabhe), for it the sanctuary of the king
and it is the house of the kingdom. And Amos answered and said unto Amaziah, I
was not a prophet, nor was I the son of a prophet, but a herdman and dresser of
sycamore trees. And the Lord took me from following after the flock, and the Lord
said unto me, Go prophesy unto my people Israel.
The context reveals Amos as a speaker for God, engaged in the act of
prophesying. From this brief survey therefore, we conclude that the denominative
verb, based upon the root nb’ has as its basic meaning, to act as a prophet.
THE SCHOOLS OF THE PROPHETS
For a proper understanding of the question it is necessary to recall that even in the
time of Moses the seventy elders received of the Sprit which was upon him. The nation
had complained, and Moses gave utterance to the thought that the office which had been
place his shoulders was too heavy for one man to bear (Numbers 11:14). In response to
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this utterance upon the part of His servant, the Lord commanded seventy elders to be
chosen in order that Moses might be assisted in his task. He then withdrew (a part) of the
Spirit which was upon Moses, and He set (of the Spirit) upon the elders (Numbers 11:25).
When the period of the Judges had come to its close, or at least was entering the
shadows of night, Samuel stood forth almost alone. He was a true prophet of the Lord (I
Samuel 3:19-21) and served in the crucial period between the close of the Judges and the
first beginnings of the monarchy. It may well be expected that there would be others,
perhaps of lesser stature than Samuel upon the Spirit of the Lord would also come.
It is thus that we are to understand the groups who are sometimes designated
hands of prophets or “sons of the prophets.” Concerning these groups much has been
written, and all too often insufficient care has been given to that which is actually stated
in the Scripture.
FALSE AND TRUE PROPHETS
The study of Old Testament prophecy is rendered more difficult and complicated
by the fact that in ancient Israel there were different kinds of prophets. Jeremiah
declares: ‘Then the Lord said unto me, the prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent
them not, neither have I commanded them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and
divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart’ (Jer. 14:14). From this
verse certain conclusions may be drawn.
1. There were prophets with whom Jeremiah would not associate himself. He
belonged to one class, namely those who had truly received the word of the
Lord, and they belonged to another class, those who had not received that
word.
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2. According to Jeremiah, certain prophets claimed to have been recipients of
Divine revelation. They looked to God and appealed to the Lord’s Name as an
accreditation of their message, whereas as a matter of actual fact, the Lord had
not sent them.
3. These prophets whom Jeremiah denounced looked for the source of their
message not to the Lord, but to their own deceitful heart. The message, then,
according to Jeremiah, was of purely human origination. It was not Divine but
human.
4. Lastly, the message of these prophets was one of vanity and deceit, and
consequently one that was not to be trusted. In the eyes of Jeremiah such
prophets were men who have no right to the prophetic office.
THE FALSE PROPHETS
There are basically but two was of considering the relationship in which these
groups stood to one another.
1. In the first place we may regard true prophecy as an outgrowth of false.
2. On the other hand, we may regard true prophecy as a genuine work of God for
His people, and false prophecy as a degeneration from the true.
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True prophecy is not an outgrowth of the false; but the false is a deterioration and
perversion of the true.
THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN TRUE AND FALSE PROPHETS
It was not a case of the one being an ecstatic and the other not, nor of the one
having the spirit whereas the other had the word of Jehovah. The point of distinction lay
not in the external realm, but rather, in the realm of the spirit.
That which distinguished the true from the false prophet lay in the fact that the
true had received a message from Jehovah, whereas the false had not.
True prophets, therefore, were not merely men who thought that Jehovah had
spoken to them. If we limit our definition of the true prophets as men who were
conscious of having received a message from Jehovah, the God of Israel, and if we go no
further, we have not reached the heart of the matter. The true prophet was not only
conscious of having received a revelation from Jehovah; he had, as a matter of actual
fact, received such a message. Jehovah, the God of Israel, had spoken His word to the
prophet.
The false prophets, on the other hand, had not received message from God. They
prophesied, but the messages which they uttered were of human origination, and not
Divine revelations. The visions which they experienced were not imposed upon them in a
special supernatural manner, as was the case with the true prophets, but were visions
which came from the human heart alone. Therein lay the mark of distinction.
The true prophets had received special revelation from God; the false prophets
had not.
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THE PROPHETS AS RECIPIENTS OF REVELATION
Whence came this conviction?
Was it the result of delusion, or was it the product of a deliberate attempt to deceive?
Or, strange as the thought may be to the modern mind – is the explanation which the
prophets themselves give of their conviction based upon fact?
Did God actually speak to them as they claimed that He did?
From the time of Samuel down to the closes of the Old Testament period, the
goodly company of the prophets stood forth upon the religious horizon.
I Samuel 2:27 – Thus saith the Lord…
Malachi 1:1 – The burden of the word of the Lord…
Wherever we turn in the Old Testament we find the prophets speaking forth in the
Name of Jehovah, and speaking with deep earnestness.
UNDERSTANDING PROPHECY
Prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit. It does not belong to people. The Holy Spirit
gives gifts to people at his own discretion. Anyone can be used in the gift of prophecy
provided they are a born-again believer, filled with the Holy Spirit, and open to moving
in the supernatural.
Knowing that all spirit-filled Christians can prophesy does not make everyone
who does a prophet. There are various levels and stages of prophetic anointing,
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beginning with the shallow end of basic prophecy, encouragement, edification and
comfort. However, moving through levels of prophetic ministry to the office of a prophet
requires considerable training, experience and development over a great many years.
PROPHECY AND SCRIPTURE
When governing Israel on their journey through the wilderness, Moses had
to listen to the life issues and difficulties of more than a million people. In each
of those cases he had to pray and seek the mind of the Lord. This was wearing
him out and was a major cause for concern to his father-in-law, Jethro.
Noticing a pattern amongst the constant stream of questions and answers
that Moses endured, Jethro proposed a plan. The problems and previous words
were written. When similar problems arose, Moses would have deputies who
could deal with those complaints, using the written word from previous prophetic
answers given by the prophet. Moses, meanwhile, would continue with presiding
over new situations, listening and providing the word of the Lord.
Scripture makes a distinction between prophecy and teaching. In several
places, it mentions with both prophets and teachers as ministry gifts, clearly
emphasizing that the two have separate functions with the common aim to grow
people to maturity. There has always been a need for both, and one does not have
priority or preference over the other.
Teaching allows us to gain a full understanding of God’s principles for
life, growth and service, etc. Prophecy imparts the express purpose of God in our
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current situation. We can understand it better if we think in terms of mind and
heart.
Teaching shows us the mind of God whilst prophecy often reveals his
heart. It is always important to remember that we serve a great high priest who
can be touched by the same things that affect our lives, God thinks and feels.
To move even in the simple, basic prophetic gift will require an
understanding of the mind and heart of God and how to release it. Prophetic
words have different strengths of impact, according to the situation,
circumstances, faith level and understanding of the receiver, and also the ability,
experience, understanding and relationship of the giver to the Holy Spirit.
The gift of prophecy also has that future aspect to it. It has that now, but
not yet, feel to it. The Book of Revelation is a prime example of this expression
of the prophetic. The book is entirely prophetic from cover to cover, dealing with
predictive prophecy, forthtelling and foretelling.
STRATEGY AND TACTICS
Prophecy can provide dynamic insight into situations not made clear by scripture.
It provides a distinctive perception of the things of God that may not be gained from the
accustomed counsel of Scripture.
The Bible provides the overall picture; the grand design of God and how to
approach our life in the Spirit. It does not always give us the means or the method to do
that effectively. To put it simply, the Bible gives strategy whilst prophecy reveals tactics.
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For example, in the story of Jehoshaphat (II Chro. 20), the people came together
to seek the Lord. They were doing what they knew to do: assemble and pray in face of
overwhelming circumstances. In a time of immense fear, facing extinction and exile as a
race, they stood and recounted the history (literally, the scripture) of their past dealings
with the Almighty God. They had the biblical strategy of prayer and fasting for this even
Prophecy and History
Prophecy has always been a rich part of the heritage of God’s people throughout
the ages. Jesus stands supreme as Prophet, Priest and King. Prophetic dispensationalism
is a common error in the church today, preaching as it does a two–thirds Jesus. When we
own him as Priest and King to his body, but not as Prophet, we strip the church of all
supernatural power. Scripture itself clearly admonishes certain people with the injunction
not to despise prophecy, but instead to examine carefully and hold on to the good part of
the word after weighing (I Th. 5:20-21).
Prophecy has been in use throughout church history, greater in some centuries
than others. Prophecy usually goes into decline when church leaders usurp their authority
and try to control what is said and done in the body of Christ.
GETTING HOLD OF THE FALSE
Abuse, misuse and deception will abound along with the correct use of
prophecy. Clearly we need to know how to handle the gift, the ministry, and its
impact within the work of God.
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There has always been false prophecy along with false teaching, right
throughout church history. Many more churches have been ruined by false
teaching than by false prophecy.
Many people’s lives have been damaged by wrong pastoral advice, far
more that y the prophetic. There would appear to be very few, if any, checks and
balances for the role of pastor.
Poor evangelism and preaching have created a backdoor Christianity in
which people have come to Christ on the basis of needs being met, rather than the
demand to submit to his lordship.
In spite of this, when people talk about balance and accountability, it is
inevitably connected with prophetic ministry. It is true that a prophet his own is
out of balance…but then, a pastor, teacher or evangelist on their own is also out
of balance.
The only answer to misuse in all areas of church life is not non-use but
proper use. Truth is always our best safeguard against deviation.
COUNTER ARGUMENTS TO RELEASE PROPHECY
1. The Bible replaces spiritual gifts
The arguments runs that because we have the whole revelation of God in
scripture, then the gifts are no longer necessary. It is interesting that many of
the people who hold this view would still pray for a miracle or a gift of
healing! They take the view that prophecy is done away with when the
perfect (that’s scripture) has come. Prophecy being a partial revelation at a
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particular point in time, must become redundant now that the whole truth of
scripture is present, (I Cor. 13:8-10). Yet this perfect word still encourages
the church to “pursue love, desire earnestly spiritual gifts, especially that you
may prophecy”. (I Cor. 14:1)
2. Pre-occupation with gifts prevents effective evangelism
The argument runs that we must strip ourselves of everything that
would divert us from our primary objective of preaching the Gospel. It cannot
be denied that many places have become self-indulgent “bless me” clubs
where the gifts are practiced endlessly on other believers. Many people are
chasing after an experiential relationship with the Holy Spirit for the purpose
of excitement and self-gratification. Much of this adolescent spiritual behavior
is due to the fact that many Christians have such a poor understanding of the
kingdom of God.
3. Is not the fruit more important than the gifts?
The church has many people with supernatural gifting and a difficult,
unlovable character. It is also true that there are many nice Christians with no
overt manifestation of the power of the Spirit in their lives – we need both.
Whilst it is undoubtedly true that the gifts without the fruit are made
worthless (I Cor. 13:1,2), it is also true that the Gospel cannot be preached
effectively without power (Rom. 1:16). The word must be confirmed with
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signs following. People were attracted to Jesus because of his personality, as
well as the miracles.
The fruit is not more important tan the gift. We must not let the enemy
push us into a choice that the Holy Spirit has not asked us to make. In matters
of morality, the fruit of our character must always take precedence. In times of
development, fruit and gift grow together. Fruit does not grow well in a
vacuum. We want the fullness of God, that means both gift and fruit together.
4. The gifts of the Spirit are dangerous
Prophecy is attacking, stimulating and provoking. It is designed to put a
sharp edge onto our relationship with God, in terms of how we live our lives
and handle truth.
The truth is dangerous. The Bible says the Word of God is like a two-
edged sword. It can cut both ways and needs careful handling.
THE VALUE OF PROPHECY
Prophecy is a gift and a ministry that we should encourage to the uttermost in our
churches. A lot of the misconceptions on prophecy arise out of a lack of knowledge and
understanding about what it is, how it works and the way in which we should release it
into the local church.
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1. Prophecy restores people’s dignity and self-respect.
The goal of prophecy in this context is to open our eyes to God’s love and
care, specifically to enable us to come to our senses and escape for any snare in
which the enemy has tried to entrap us. Prophecy reminds us in blunt, but loving,
fashion of all that God has provided in Christ Jesus. Prophecy restores our soul,
renews our mind, and revives our spirit.
2. It edifies, encourages and comforts the church.
These three elements of prophecy, found in I Corinthians 14:3, are often
the result of buy-product f a prophecy as well as the established content within a
revelatory word.
If a word relates to God’s compassion, his wholesale forgiveness and
willingness to extend mercy and cleansing, it will cause people to have a desire to
approach him and rebuild their life. It has edified their spirit and released the kind
of faith that the Holy Spirit can work with and build on.
Prophecy releases encouragement too. At the right time, in the right way,
and with the proper word, the Lord releases a magnificent blessing through the
prophetic utterance. This type of word will give a significant boost to the church;
it will reassure, inspire and incite people to thanksgiving. It will stimulate faith
and create a sense of well being in the congregation.
Prophecy also releases comfort into people’s lives made bitter by
hardness, pain and difficult circumstances. God does not always shield us from
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the difficulties of life, through he does promise to be with us as we go through the
fires.
3. Prophecy can bring correction and warning.
Many times in scripture, people were given warnings through prophecy to
turn from wicked ways and repent. The letters to the seven churches (Rev. 2 - 3)
contained warnings and requests for change and repentance.
4. Prophecy can provide direction and enhance vision.
Direction, purpose and vision are vital for individuals and groups. Where
there is no vision, we have a lot of perishing people! From within the church, the
prophetic word can be released that will provide a focus on which we can hang
our goals and plans.
5. Prophecy opens up the teaching of the Word and confirms preaching. (I Cor.
13:2)
Prophecy can inspire understanding of mysterious and knowledge. (Eph. 3:4-5; I
Cor. 13:9)
6. Prophecy can provide evangelistic breakthroughs.
I Cor. 14:24-25; John 16:8-11
7. Prophecy provides insight into counseling situations.
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Counseling is a much needed ministry in the church today. Counseling is a
necessary part of working out our salvation before God. The problem today in the
church is that a poor quality of Gospel has been preached to people.
The prophetic can get to the heart of situations in quite a profound way,
laying the axe to the root of a problem. The prophetic will allow us to focus on
Jesus and that in itself will create movement and change. Without the
supernatural, counseling can focus on problem and processes, rather than on Jesus
the deliverer.
8. Prophecy provides a spirit of thanksgiving and praise.
Normally, we continue in persevering prayer until either God tells us to
stop, the issue is resolved, or we have assurance of faith that our prayer has been
heard and an answer is on the way.
Prophecy can reveal to people exactly what is on God’s heart now, and
what we should do next in response to the moving of the Spirit.
9. Prophecy is vital to spiritual warfare.
I Tim. 1:18 – “by these prophecies previously made concerning you, fight
a good fight.”
Jehoshaphat defeated the enemy on the basis of a word of prophecy give
to him by Jahaziel (II Chro. 20:14-17).
Joshua followed a similar pattern of listening and responding to the
prophetic word (Joshua 6:1-5).
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GIFT OF PROPHECY
First Step in Prophecy – I Thess. 5:19-21
The Fist Steps in Prophecy
Preparation
Prayer
Meditation – Ps. 119
Waiting on God
Speaking in tongues
Desire to Prophesy – I Cor. 14:1
Expectation – I Cor. 2:16
Operation
HOW DOES PROPHECY COME?
Visions – sometimes it comes through visions, pictures or even moving
pictures.
There are two types of vision generally.
1. Unremarkable vision that uses everyday things around us, maybe even
uses our own understanding of things to speak prophetically; e.g. Jer.
1:11-12.
2. Vision ca be supernatural rather than unremarkable. Acts 10
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DREAMS
Num. 12:6 - …God spoke to Pharaoh in a dream which only Joseph could
interpret; the same thing happened with Nebuchadnezzer,
which only Daniel could interpret which only David could
understand.
Matthew 1; Daniel 1:17
Impressions
Prophecy can come by impression. An inner conviction – strong
or faint – about something. That’s why we need to be still
before God. It’s very important being quiet in our spirit.
Use of scripture
Scripture can be an aid to prophecy.
PROPHECY IS ONGOING AND DEVELOPMENTAL
The Lord will never speak the totality of his heart to is on a single prophetic word.
Rather he speaks word that will give us a focus for now and the immediate future. As we
work within those prophecies and allow our lives to be encouraged and shaped by them,
we can see that prophecy builds from one word to another.
The classic study in this instance is the life of Abraham, father of many nations, a
patriarch and the one with whom the Lord makes a consummate covenant. Abraham is
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the model for a covenant relationship, so it is only right that we examine the prophetic
words over his life. As we do so, we will see a distinct pattern emerge with each
successive prophecy.
As each prophecy builds on the previous word, we will see
Words of confirmation,
Words that re-emphasize previous prophecies,
Some words of instruction of things to do,
Other words the re-establish prior promises,
Finally new revelation that opens up a different area of activity.
The first word occurred when Abram was seventy-five years old. He was given a
great promise that from him will come a great nation and through him all the nations of
the earth would be blessed (Gen. 12:1-5). He was told to leave his present home and go to
a land that God would show him.
Abram received a second word when he reached Canaan (Gen. 12:7). This was a
word of confirmation that his land would belong to his descendants.
After he and Lot went their separate ways, bran received a third word, (Gen.
13:14-17). This word re-emphasized that the land was his and his descendants. He was
given instruction to ‘look up and see’, to all points of the compass and also to, ‘go, and
walk through the length and breath of the land’.
At the age of 83, Abram received a fourth prophecy. This word contained
specific new insights, plus a re-strengthening and establishing of previous words (Gen.
15). Abram was childless and felt the pain of it. God gave him a word about a son,
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‘from your own body’. A very clear word; your own son, not adopted, but from your own
body. This was a new word that also carries with it a re-emphasis of a previous word.
Previously, the prophecy said, ‘as numerous as dust of the earth’. Now his offspring will
also be, ‘as numerous as the stars in heaven’.
Again, there was another word re-emphasis from 15:7, ‘I will give you this land
as a possession.’ This was re-stated, but with the additional words establishing the
territorial boundaries of the land of promise (15:18).
At the age of 99 years, Abraham received a fifth prophetic word where several
new and important elements were added, (Gen. 17).
1. He received a new word: ‘be blameless’.
2. There was a re-emphasis and re-establishing of the previous prophecies
(Gen. 17:2-8).
3. There has been an expansion in this prophecy from father of one nation, to
father of many. Again, the land was re-established as his possession (Gen.
17:8).
4. There were new elements in this latest prophecy that were also instructional.
Abraham is given specific details of a new covenant that the Lord was making
with him. There is a setting apart for God that is typified in the act of
circumcision.
5. Also, for the first time in 24 years, Sarah was specifically mentioned as the
mother of the promised heir. Her name change, from Sarai to Sarah (princess,
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queen, mother of a nation), reflected the fact that she was much a part of all
the prophecies spoken over her husband. She would bear a son!
6. In this prophecy, we see a good mixture of new revelation, confirming words,
strengthening and re-establishing of previous words, and a strong element of
instruction. All of these add up to progressive prophecy, that is ongoing and
developmental.
The sixth prophecy (Gen. 18:17-19), was given in the context of Sodom and
Gommorah. This is the nerve centre of fulfilling prophecy. Our intention should be in
life to do ‘what is right and just’. In that context God always fulfils his word, both the
revealed word of scripture and his prophetic utterance.
The seventh and final prophetic word occurred (Gen. 22:15-18) in Abraham’s life
after his test with Isaac, where he has to offer his son as a sacrifice. In all of our
prophetic situations with the Lord, testing is a vital ingredient. The Lord has to know
what is more important to us, our destiny and calling, or relationship with him.
JUDGING AND WEIGHING PROPHECY
THE MAIN TESTS
THE BIBLICAL PATTERN
There are two extremes of thought regarding prophecy in the church
currently, both of which are wrong.
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1. The first extreme rejects prophecy altogether for today.
2. The other extreme is that which accepts all prophecy unreservedly
without judging or weighing it.
The New Testament pattern is that we are open to the prophetic gift; we
give respectful attention to prophetic revelation; we submit each prophecy to
careful scriptural scrutiny; and we only accept that which passes the test.
DOES IT EDIFY, EXHORT AND COMFORT? (I Cor. 14:3)
The true purpose of prophecy is to build up, admonish and stir up,
encourage and release from pain and discomfort, and to enable people to know
and understand the heartbeat of their God for themselves.
The Bible always associates courage and boldness with action! Paul and
Barnabas epitomized holy courage, in that they ‘risked their lives for the name of
the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 15:26).
Courage is an element of the divine nature, implanted in the heart of man
by the Holy Spirit, the infilling of the Holy Spirit always issues in words and
actions of courageous faith…(Acts 4:31).
If it doesn’t achieve that, it is not true prophecy. It needs to fall within
those limitations. If the effect of prophecy is confusion, condemnation, or
discouragement, then the prophecy cannot be accepted.
The primary purpose of the New Testament gift of prophecy is to edify the
Church. For this reason, we are admonish to desire all spiritual gifts, but specially
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the gift of prophecy, because this gift is of the greatest benefit to the whole Bible
(I Cor. 14:3-5).
The Geek word ‘oikodome’, translated ‘edification’, is an architectural
term that denotes the act of building. In Old English the word ‘edify’ was used in
its original sense of build.
There is a very thin dividing line between the gift of prophecy and the
spirit of divination. We have got to make sure that people are coming into
blessing in God, and not into a curse.
The Greek word ‘paraklesis’, translated ‘exhortation’, literally means a
calling to one’s side to help. It is used in the sense of imploration, entreaty,
admonition and solace, thus denoting consolatory exhortation.
The final purpose of prophecy is always positive. Not negative. Very
often prophecy has to be negative. There is a negative aspect of prophecy that is
right and proper in the economy of God. Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry (Jer. 1:5-
10), was to ‘root out, to pull down, to destroy and to throw down’. Those are four
negatives. It doesn’t stop there, thank God! His ministry was also to, ‘build and
plant’. Sometimes you have to pull down something in order to replace it with a
positive.
In all aspects of our work in the church, we are always in a building
context. On two occasions, Paul wrote about his authority from God. In II
Corinthians 10:8 and II Corinthians 13:10, he wrote some very hard and very
difficult things to the Corinthian church.
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TEST THE SPIRIT (I JOHN 4:1-3)
Behind every prophecy there are three possible sources, the Spirit of God,
the spirit of man, and an evil spirit. We need to keep in mind that prophecy
communicates spirit to spirit, as well as speaking into our mind and our intellect.
We need to discern the spirit behind the prophecy, before we discern the words.
If any of the following areas are wrong, then we must immediately challenge the
situation:
.What is the spirit behind the prophecy?
.Does it conform to Scripture?
.Does it glorify the Lord Jesus Christ?
WHAT IS THE SPIRIT BEHIND THE PROPHECY?
The testimony of Jesus (Revelation 19:10), that is, the word content, is the
spirit or the essence of prophecy (i.e. the heart and the will of God expressed
through people). Does it lead us to the feet of Jesus? We must ask questions about
the spirit in which people are speaking, otherwise we could easily be deceived.
Acts 16:16-18 deals with this very scenario.
The content not be faulted; however it was not the Spirit of God and Paul
was aggrieved in his spirit. He weighed the spirit behind the prophecy and was
grieved. That was his reaction. If he had weighed the content and the accuracy
only, he might have been deceived.
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The girl’s words were almost reverential, ‘they are bond servants of the
most High God’.
She elevated the Lord to people around.
Her word contained some evangelistic overtones: ‘they are
proclaiming to you the way of salvation.’
We cannot fault the accuracy, but this is the enemy at his best;
masquerading as an angel of light.
The enemy has invaded the church with false prophecy as he with
false teaching, poor evangelistic presentation of the gospel,
and a spirit of independence an rebellion, to name but a
few.
To be effective in the area of spiritual discernment, we need to understand the
culture of judging and weighing.
1. That it is scriptural and right to do so.
2. That no person’s ministry exempt from the judging process.
3. That it is not disrespectful or disloyal to weigh the words of others.
4. That local leaders as well as international ministries are to submit themselves
for judgment.
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5. That the judging process is vital because it remove any enemy influence,
whilst cementing the purposes of God into our conscious minds.
DOES THE PROPHECY CONFORM TO SCRIPTURE? (ISAIAH 8:20)
It is vital to note that we are building our lives on scriptures and not on prophecy. In
the event of a clash, we always abandon the prophetic word in favour of scripture, the
revealed word of God. We must be especially careful that the substance of extra
biblical revelation does not contradict the Bible, but is in accord with the revealed
message.
Prophecy must not be used to establish new doctrine or practices. We
must make a further distinction here. When talking about new, I mean previously
unheard of doctrine and practices.
DOES THE PROPHECY GLORIFY JESUS? (I COR. 12:3
The prime ministry of the Holy Spirit is to bring glory to Jesus (John
16:14). Any prophetic utterance, dream or vision should accomplish that aim.
All the five-fold ministries are given that the wider body of Christ may be
equipped to do the work of the ministry.
The pastor equips people not to be released in counseling, but to be able to counsel
others.
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The teacher expounds the word of God, but also releases people to search the
scriptures for themselves in rightly dividing the word of truth.
The evangelist not only handles missions and revivals to the unsaved, but also equips
the body to do the work of evangelism.
The apostles builds up and establishes the body of Christ and releases people into a
process of self-government and church planting.
The prophets speak the word of God but also releases people to hear God for
themselves.
Note: In each of the five-fold ministries, the central aim is Christ and his
Lordship; the creation of a people who will come to fullness in Christ and
grow up in all things to be like Christ the Head (Eph. 4:11-15).
THE SUBSIDIARY TESTS
Focus on the outcomes
We need to focus on outcomes as far as time will us. Has the prophecy produced
any negative elements? What are the positive things that the Spirit is highlighting to
us? (Deuteronomy 13:1-5)
Accuracy in prophecy is not enough.
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Miracles, signs and wonders, are not the evidence of a true prophet.
If any prophetic word is accompanied by signs and wonders, we must still judge it.
THE ROLE OF CHRISTIAN PROPHET
The Gift of Prophecy
Prophecy is like a swimming pool. There is a shallow end that all can safely use.
This is inspirational prophecy where our aim is to encourage, build up and comfort
people (I Corinthians 14:1,5).
Gift of Prophecy Prophetic Ministry Prophetic Office
The Prophetic Ministry
Prophetic ministry is quite different from the gift of prophecy.
Preaching and teaching can speak to our minds, our emotions and our spirit.
Inspired preaching can unlock our faith, free our mind, create a depth of
understanding and evoke a response to the Lord.
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The scripture can provide general guidelines on a multitude of things that pertain to
our lives, relationships, fellowship with God, marriage, work, home, church and
ministry.
Prophecy can supply specific detail to general principles. For example, the Bible can
tell us how to live but not where. It can tell us how to meet together but not the.
specific location of our church building. It can remind us of the need to be employed
but not with whom, nor volunteer information on the type of work we should do.
Prophetic ministry is concerned with the church, and it is concerned with the direction
we take, as well as who will lead and how we will get to our destination.
THE OFFICE OF A PROPHET
The office of a prophet would continue along that same line but going
over deeper into the supernatural realm of hearing God and being
his mouthpiece.
The prophet is concerned with holiness and purity and is seeking to
prepare the Bride of Christ.
They will invest the church with supernatural faith as they both forth tell
the word of the Lord and foretell his purposes.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPMENT
As we move into the Prophetic Office, we come into a greater flow of
revelatory anointing and responsibility on the national and internal scene. All
ministries must grow. If we halt our development our ministry will hit a ceiling
and level off.
Without adequate training, our gifting will not each beyond a certain level.
One of the main causes of difficulty in the prophetic realm today is the lack of
development, training and discipleship.
The five-fold ministry gifts (Eph. 4:11-13) of apostles, prophets,
evangelist, pastors and teachers have their main function to equip the saints for
the work of ministry’.
FEATURES OF OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT PROPHETS
In his ministry the Lord Jesus said at times ‘you have heard it said’, then
he would quote a verse from the Old Testament. He would follow that (Matthew
5) by saying ‘but I say to you’. These new words brought change, a different
understanding and new practice.
There are many things which flow out of the Old Testament into the New
Covenant. There are some things which clearly do not, such as animal sacrifice,
polygamy and stoning people caught in sin.
When we examine the prophetic ministry through both covenants there are
areas of similarity but also of difference.
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SIMILARITIES
Both are called by similar titles, prophet, man of God, servant of the Lord
and messenger of the Lord.
There are many similarities in terms of their function as prophets. In both
Covenants:
They would act as spokesmen and the mouthpiece of God.
They would be engaged in forth telling and foretelling.
They pronounce judgment and interpret the law.
They would communicate their prophecies in the same way by word of
mouth, in dreams and visions, by actions and symbolic drama, strange burdens
and also by the written word.
They both have prophet of vision with Daniel and Zechariah in the Old.
And John (Revelation) in the New.
There are prophets of Scripture such as Isaiah.
In the New Covenant many of Paul’s Epistles are written with a strong
prophetic influence.
DIFFERENCES
The Old Testament prophets were also called seers, a term not applied in the
church.
Under the Old Covenant prophets gave guidance to people who came looking for
a word from the Lord. (I Samuel 9:4-10). Enquiring of the Lord and seeking guidance
from the prophet is a major function of the Old Covenant which is completely outlawed
in the New.
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Under the terms of the New Covenant we have all received the Holy Spirit and
can enjoy an intimate relationship with the Lord. Guidance is the by-product of a right
relationship with God. In the Old Testament the priests represented man to God and the
prophets heard from the Lord and spoke to men.
Now, we have Jesus the great High Priest and the Holy Spirit, who is our helper,
resident within our lives. No New Testament prophet was ever used to give or to
bring prophecies that guided, steered or governed people in the will of God. Instead
they are used to give confirmation to people. Even when receiving new or future
word we are instructed to judge and weigh them and wait for confirmation.
Christian prophets do not tell people what to do, they confirm what God is saying.
Prophets as well as other witnesses and ministries can confirm what we receive
personally from the Lord.
We need to understand the difference between guidance and directive prophecy.
Guidance occurs when people seek out the prophet and ask for prophetic insight into
their life and situation (e.g. I Sam. 9). This is an Old Covenant approach because the
Holy Spirit came upon people.
In the New Covenant the Holy spit resides within people and teaches them to
know the voice of the Lord for themselves. A directive prophecy is therefore an
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unsought for word, sovereignly imparted by the Lord into our lives to bring either
confirmation or indeed to completely open our lives to some new purpose. The
initiative lies completely with the Lord. However, we are to judge and weigh
everything in a responsible manner.
In the Old Testament the prophets were some of the main historians and were
used to write infallible Scripture. This aspect of their ministry was given to the
apostles in the early church who like John may have had a very strong prophetic
element to their gifting.
In the Old Testament, prophets were very forthright in rebuking, warning and
chastising people, and were often used to denounce people and their sin. In the
church, prophets minister the word by exhortation, teaching example and
confirmation.
Christ prophets should not have the function or personality of their Old
Testament counterpart. Prophets were feared before the time of Jesus. They were
eccentric, intimidating, authoritarian individuals who gave messages of great portent
often with a foreboding or a sense of impending doom, which seemed to hang around
them.
By contrast the Christian prophet
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THE CHRISTIAN PROPHET
The purpose of a New Testament prophet is not primarily to prophesy.
1. It is to train people to hear the Lord for themselves.
2. It is to teach believers how to find and live in the will of God
themselves.
3. It is to instruct and train people in the gift of prophecy and to
help churches establish the right framework and protocol for
the gift.
4. It is to bring the word of the Lord either in inspired preaching
or by supernatural prophetic utterance.
The New Testament prophet is called to a working relationship with the
apostolic ministry. This interaction will provide adequate checks and balances for
both ministries.
1. The New Testament prophets act as a catalyst within the church, they make things
happen. God is full of plans and purpose for his church. A prophet will envision
and call the church and individuals into an understanding and receipt of those
plans and purposes. God still reveals his secrets to his servants the prophets.
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Prophets are also active in terms of preparation. They are making ready a
people prepared for the Lord as in Isaiah 40:3; Luke 1:17. And also they are
working with other five –fold ministry gifts to prepare for the second coming.
Part of that preparation is the receiving and imparting of specific
revelation to the earth. The apostle Paul and presumably the prophet Silas, his
team mate, both enjoyed receiving revelation as part of their office (Eph. 3:1-7).
A true revelation will always cause revolution.
2. Prophets are also preparing the Bride of Christ, literally ‘making ready a people
for the Lord’. These are the people, a peculiar people (isn’t that the truth), who
have been bought with a price: the blood of Jesus. It is this body of people that
God is sanctifying and cleansing (the rite of purification), to present it with no
spots, wrinkles or blemishes. A people of holiness and glory (Eph. 5:25-27).
3. Prophets also have a role in declaring the word of the Lord i.e. forth telling. This
is communicating the heart of God for the present. This declaration can come via
teaching, preaching, the spoken prophetic word, vision and interpretation and
symbolic acts. It will exhort, edify and comfort as well as admonish, provide
warning and bring reproof (Rev. 2 - 5).
4. Another aspect of the prophetic role is in predictive prophecy, called fore telling.
Communicating the future as it is perceived in the mind and heart of God. This is
used to shape the direction of the church; to cause a desire for godliness; to
empower and release people.
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Prophets should work closely with other of the five-fold ministries. There
are a number of partnerships that the Lord can bring together at different times.
In the early church a number of prophets traveled together as a team (Acts 11:27).
1. Prophets and Teachers came together (Acts 13:1-3) at Antioch. They were
instrumental in releasing Paul and Barnabas to their wider call and ministry.
This is an interesting combination, both parties and love God’s word, though
they seem to approach it from different angles.
Teachers want to stop and consolidate the word ensuring that people are
practicing what has been taught.
The prophet is always working to move forward into new revelation and is
looking for challenges, battles to fight and things to overcome.
The prophet may release a word unfolding the whole prophetic
panorama of what the church is to do in its locality.
2. Apostles and Prophets are clearly linked together in Scripture (Eph. 2:20).
Adequate foundations in the church cannot be laid without this partnership. The
prophet will see the end product in terms of the building God is erecting. The
apostle as a wise master builder is gifted to build the property line upon line and
brick by brick.
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At every stage of the work prophecy and wisdom will be needed to put
things in their rightful place. There is a dual role of building and erecting the
church and equipping and releasing the saints so that the church can be further
up. The bigger the house the more we need to release people.
3. Prophets and Pastors. Prophecy is attacking, stimulating and provoking by
definition, Pastoring is about restoring calm and order. Prophets challenge,
pastors soothe.
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ISAIAH
1. TITLES: A. Isaiah = salvation of Jehovah or Jah is helper.
B. The Book of “the Gospel According to Isaiah”
C. The Book of Salvation
2. AUTHOR: Written by Isaiah, the Prophet of Redemption, who prophesied
concerning the House of Israel, but ministered mainly to the House
of Judah.
3. DATE: A. Isaiah’s ministry covered a period of about50 years (740 –690
B.C.) beginning in the later years of Uzziah’s reign (Is. 1:1)
B. Written between 740 and 690 B.C.
4. KEY WORDS: A. Righteous (ly, ness) 64
B. Save (d), Salvation, Savior 55
C. Judge (s, ing, ance) 52
D. Deliver (ed, eth, ance) 32
E. Comfort (ed, s, ably) 18
KEY PHRASES: “Holy One (of Israel)” 30
5. KEY VERSES: 12:6; 56:1; 61:1 - 3
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6. PURPOSE: A. To show that even though Judah had a “form of godliness” , it
was corrupt morally, religiously, and politically.
B. To predict the destiny of the Gentile nations.
C. To give a panoramic prophetic picture of the life and ministry of
the Messiah.
7. MESSAGE: A. Through judgment the Holy One of Israel brings salvation,
righteousness, and comfort.
B. Only through the Messiah will salvation come to all the nations.
8. OUTLINE: I. Book of Judgment (Prophetic) Ch.1 – 35
(Judah, Israel, and the Gentiles)
Judgments (1 –12), Burdens (13 – 27),
Woes (28 – 35)
II. Book of Deliverance (Historical) Ch.36 – 39
(Assyria, Judah, and Hezekiah)
III. Book of Comfort (Messianic) Ch. 40 – 66
(Jehovah, Messiah, and the Kingdom)
9. SUMMARY: Isaiah’s prophecies are not only applicable in judgment to the
destinies of Judah, Israel, and the Gentiles but also to the blessing of all nations
through the Messiah and the Church. Isaiah gives the most comprehensive life-
story of Messiah, “the salvation of Jehovah”, of all the prophetical books
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combined. He refers more to the Messiah, His Kingdom, and the coming in of the
Gentiles than all the other prophets combined. NOTE: There are more quotations
from Isaiah in the New Testament than any other prophetical book (over60).
10. CHRIST SEEN: Christ is seen in His Messianic Glory as the Holy One of Israel
(Mk.1:24) our Salvation (Mt.1:21), our Righteousness (I Cor.1:30), and Comfort
(Jn.14:16.18). All Judgment has been committed to Him (Jn.%:22).
11. STATISTICS
Twenty-Three Book of the Bible 37,044 Words
66 Chapters 190 Questions
1,292 Verses 1,029 Prophecies
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JEREMIAH
1. TITLES: A. Jeremiah = exalted of Jehovah, or appointed of Jehovah
B. The Book to the Backslider
2. AUTHOR: Written by Jeremiah, the prophet of Judgment, who prophesied to
the House of Judah. He also wrote Lamentations.
3. DATE: A. Jeremiah’s ministry covered a period of about 66 years (626 –
560 B.C.), beginning in the reign of Josiah, continuing through
the reigns of Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jeconiah, and ending after
the reign of Zedekiah, Judah’s last king.
4. KEY WORDS: A. Judah 181 G. Heart (s) 62
B. Babylon 160 H. Sin, Iniquity 52
C. Jerusalem 108 I. Judge (d, ment) 27
D. Evil 100 J. Forsake 24
E. Return(ed),Turn 95 K. Backsliding 13
F. Captive(s, ity) 64
KEY PHRASES: A. “the Word of the Lord” 70
B. “the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel” 35
C. “carried away” 25
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5. KEY VERSES: 2:19 ; 3:22 ; 13:19
6. PURPOSE: A. Historically: To give the History of the last five kings of the
House of Judah, the destruction of the temple, desolation of the
city, and the captivity of the nation to Babylon.
B. Spiritually: To show God’s grace and mercy in calling a
backslidden nation to return to the Lord.
C. Prophetically: To predict the destiny of the chosen nation and
the Gentile nations.
7. MESSAGE: A. The Word of the Lord calls backsliders to forsake their iniquity
and return to the Lord.
B. All evil is certain to be judged by captivity.
C. After calling to repentance God will forsake those who forsake
Him.
8. OUTLINE: I. Jeremiah’s Call and Commission Ch.1
II. Prophecies Before the Captivity Ch. 2 -38
III. The Captivity of Judah Ch.39,52
IV. Prophecies After the Captivity Ch.40 –51
9. SUMMARY: Jeremiah was commissioned to bring the last appeal from Jehovah
to Judah before destruction came (7:2-7). He was to announce the inevitable
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doom that was coming upon Judah, Jerusalem, and the Temple under the hand of
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (21:1 – 10). Jeremiah alone set the duration of
the Babylonian Captivity at 70 years (25:11; 29:10). He also had a message of
judgment on the Gentile nations (46 –51) and foretold the coming of the glorious
New Covenant (31:31-34).
10. CHRIST SEEN: Christ is seen as the Appointed Prophet to Jerusalem, suffering
with, for, and at the hands of his own nation. He is the Righteous Branch, the
King, the Lord Our Righteousness, and the Maker of the New Covenant
(Ch.23,31).
11. STATISTICS
Twenty-Four Book of the Bible 42,659 Words
1,364 Verses 846 Prophecies
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LAMENTATIONS
1. TITLES: A. Lamentation = mournings, wailings, weepings
B. The Book of Mourning
2. AUTHOR: Written by Jeremiah “the Weeping Prophet”, who prophesied to
the House of Judah. He also wrote the book of Jerimah.
3. DATE: Jeremiah’s ministry covered a period of about 66 years (626-
560 B.C.), beginning in the reign of Josiah,
4. KEY WORDS: A. Zion 15 C. Jerusalem 7
B. Afflicted 9 D. Desolate(ion) 7
KEY PHRASE: A. “The Lord has” 14
5. KEY VERSES: 1:12; 2:17
6. PURPOSE: A. To express through the prophet in a series of lamentations the
sorrow of the heart of God, even upon God’s own people.
B. To record the affliction and desolation of Jerusalem.
7. MESSAGE: A. The sin of disobedience to God’s Laws brings desolation and
the wrath of God, even upon God’s own people.
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B. Though God loves His own, and has compassion for His people,
He must yet punish the willfully obstinate and disobedient.
8. OUTLINE:
I. The First Poem. Jerusalem’s Plight Ch.1 The City
II. The Second Poem Jehovah’s Anger Ch.2 The Sanctuary
III. The third Poem Jeremiah’s Sorrows Ch.3 The Prophet
IV. The Forth Poem Jehovah’s Anger Ch.4 The People
V. The Fifth Poem Jeremiah’s Prayer Ch.5 The Prayer
9. SUMMARY: Lamentations consists of five poems. Chapter 1 through 4 are
acrostic; each of the verses beginning successively with one of the 22 letters of
the Hebrew alphabet. Each of these poems has a reference to desolation, God’s
judgment and sorrows, and closes with a prayer petition (except the fourth). The
fifth poem is completely intercessory prayer. The Lamentations of Jeremiah
concern these four things:
A. The People of Judah
B. The Temple of Solomon
C. The City of Jerusalem
D. The Land of Palestine
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10. CHRIST SEEN: Christ is seen as the interceding, weeping Prophet, “the Man of
Sorrows, lamenting as He foretells the desolations of Judah, Jerusalem, the
Temple, and the Land. (Lk.19:41-44; Lk.21:20-24; Mt. 23:37,38: Mt.24:1-4).
11. STATISTICS
Twenty-five Book of the Bible 3,415 Words
154 Verses 2 Prophecies
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EZEKIEL
1. TITLES: A. Ezekiel = God will strengthen, the strength of God
B. The Book of the Son of Man
2. AUTHOR: Written by Ezekiel, the prophet of Vision, who ministered to the
House of Judah and prophesied concerning the House of Israel.
3. DATE: A. Ezekiel’s ministry covered a period of about 30years (593 –563
B.C.), beginning the last years of Zedekiah’s reign and
continuing into the Babylonian Captivity.
4. KEY WORDS: A. Blood (y) 56 D. Spirit 26
B. Desolate (ion, ions) 47 E. vision (s) 18
C. Sanctuary 34
KEY PHRASE: A “thus saith the Lord” 209
B. “son of man” 93
C. “they shall know that I am the Lord’ 63
B. “the Word of the Lord came” 50
C. “the glory of the Lord (or, God of Israel) 16
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5. KEY VERSES: 10:4, 18: 36:24-28;43:2
6. PURPOSE: A. To declare to the unbelieving House of Judah that the temple
and city would be destroyed, once the “Glory of the Lord” had
departed.
B. To show the Gentile nations their inevitable judgment.
C. To predict the re turn of the “Glory of the Lord” to a new
temple.
7. MESSAGE; A. When a nation departs from the “Glory of the Lord” the “Glory
of the lord” departs from it.
B. All nations ate held accountable to God and judged by Him.
C. God is righteous to judge and merciful to restore.
8. OUTLINE: I. Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem Ch. 1:24
(The Glory Departs From the Old Temple)
II. Judgment on the Gentile Nations (Mid-Seige) Ch. 25-32,35
III. Restoration Under Messiah (Post – Seige) Ch.33-48
(The Glory Returns To a New Temple)
9. SUMMARY: Ezekiel, as a priest, opens and closes his prophecy with a vision of
the Temple and the Glory departing and returning. Ezekiel is the only prophet to
mention Israel’s idolatry in Egypt and God’s thought to destroy them for His
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name’s sake (20:19). He is the only prophet to describe Lucifer’s position prior to
his fall under the context of the king of Tyre (28:11-19). There are also
prophecies in the last section concerning Messiah Times and Restoration under
the New Covenant.
NOTE: Much corresponds in the visions of Ezekiel and Revelation.
CHRIST SEEN: Christ is seen as “the Son of Man”, sent to the rebellious house of
Judah (2:1: Jn. 1:11), beginning his ministry to the faithful remnant at the age of
30 (1:1; Lk.3:21-23) with opened heavens. He prophesied of the departing Glory
from the material Temple at Jerusalem and is destruction (Mt. 24:1,2), and spoke
of the Glory returning to the New Temple, the Church (Eph. 2:20-22)
11. STATISTICS
Twenty-six Book of the Bible 39,407 Words
1,273 Verses 963 Prophecies
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DANIEL
1. TITLES: A. Daniel = judgment of God, or God is my judge.
B. The Book of Judgment
C. The Book of The Kingdom
2. AUTHOR: Written by Daniel, the prophet of The Captivity, who prophesied
concerning both earthly and heavenly Kingdom,
3. DATE: A. Daniel’s ministry covered a period of about 70 years (606 – 536
B.C.), beginning during the reign of Jehoiakim, continuing
through the reigns of Jeconiah and Zedekiah of Judah, and
ending during the reign of Cyrus, king of Medo-Persia.
4. KEY WORDS: A. King (s, ly) 187 E. Vision (s) 32
B. Kingdom (s) 59 F. Dream (s, ed) 29
C. Time (s) 47 G. End 27
D. Interpretation (s, ing) 32 H. Dominion (s) 19
KEY PHRASE: A. “most High (rules)” 12
5. KEY VERSES: 2:21-22; 7:13, 14, 18
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6. PURPOSE: A. To illustrate God’s care for His people even in their captivity.
B. To prove the Kingdom of God to be higher than any earthly
Kingdom
C. To show how God controls and directs the history of the
nations.
7. MESSAGE: A. The sovereignty of the “Most High God” is universal.
B. God reveals His secrets to His servants, and does not leave them
in darkness concerning His dealings among the nations.
8. OUTLINE: I. Book of History (written in Chaldee) Ch. 1-6
Dreams pf Nebuchadnezzar.
II. Book of Prophecy (written in Heaven) Ch.7-12
Visions of Daniel.
9. SUMMARY: The experiences of Daniel and his companions show that the Lord loyal
and obedient servants are often blessed with earthly success, trusted with His
secrets, and comforted in times of suffering and trial. The dreams of
Nebuchadnezzar in the first six chapters show the kingdoms of this world from
the human point of view (i.e. in the image if a deified man). The visions of Daniel
in the last six chapters show the same kingdoms from the divine point of view
(i.e. as wild, carnivorous beasts), giving their successive order. Undoubtedly the
most comprehensive (and controversial) prophecy in Daniel is the “70 week”
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prophecy reaching in its time span from the close of the Babylonian Captivity to
the ultimate establishment of to everlasting Kingdom of “The Son of Man”
NOTE: Daniel and Revelation are companion volumes each complementing the other
CHRIST SEEN: Christ seen as the Son of Man (7:130, the stone cut out of the
mountain without hands (2:34, 35, 44, 45), crushing the Kingdoms of this world
(Mt. 21:42-44). The Kingdom of God is seen as an everlasting Kingdom (Dan
7:27) and Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev.19:16)
11. STATISTICS
Twenty-seven Book of the Bible 11,606 Words
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HOSEA
1. TITLES: A. Hosea = salvation, the Lord Saves
B. The Book of Persevering Love
C. The Book of Law and Love
2. AUTHOR: Written by Hosea, the prophet of Law and Love, who ministered to
the House of Israel.
3. DATE: Hosea’s ministry covered of period of about 45 years (755 – 710
B.C.), beginning at the end of the reign of Jeroboam II of Israel,
continuing through the reigns of Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem,
Pekah, and Hoshea, and ending after the Assyrian conquest of
Israel during the reign of Hezekiah of Judah.
4. KEY WORDS: A. Israel 44
B. Ephraim 37
C. Turn (ed), Return (ed) (one Hebrew Word) 20
D. Whoredom (s) 14
E. Mercy 11
5. KEY VERSES: 1:6, 9; 2:4, 23; 14:1,4
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6. PURPOSE: A. To call Israel to repentance.
B. To prophesy the cause of the Assyrian Captivity, which was
the unfaithfulness of Israel.
C. To foretell the restoration which would come only through
Messiah.
7. MESSAGE: A. The Lord loves and longs to restore and heal the backslider,
and through chastisement and punishment of the Law. He
causes such to return to Him.
B. Love balances, but never violates Law.
8. OUTLINE: I. The Prophet The Symbolic Marriage Ch.1-3
A The Prophet’s Family Ch. 1
B. The Unfaithful Wife Ch. 2
C. The Faithful Redeeming Husband Ch. 3
II. The Prophecy The Word of the Lord Ch.4-14
A. Israel Sin God is Holy Ch.4-7
B. Israel’s Punishment God is Just Ch.8-10
C. Israel’s Restoration God is Love Ch.11-14
9. SUMMARY: The Book of Hoses sets forth Hosea’s domestic life as an example
of God’s dealings with Israel, revealing His union with the nation, their
unfaithfulness to the marriage covenant His chastisement if her, and mercy in
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redeeming and restoring her to Himself. It also shows the relationship between
three great covenants.
A. Abrahamic Covenant The Nation Chosen
B. Mosaic Covenant The Nation Chastised
C. New Covenant The Nation Cleansed
10. CHRIST SEEN: Christ seen as The Prophet (acts 3:22,23) fulfilling the law
(Mt.5:17, 18)and redeeming in love (Jn.3:16).
11. STATISTICS
Twenty-eight Book of the Bible 5,175 Words
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JOEL
1. TITLES: A. Joel =Jehovah is God, that wills, commands and swear.
B. The Book of the Day of the Lord
2. AUTHOR: Written by Joel, the prophet of Pentecost, who ministered to the
House of Judah
3. DATE: A. Joel’s ministry probably covered a period of about 30 years
(810 –780 B.C), during the reign of Joash, Amaziah, and
Uzziah of Judah.
4. KEY WORDS: A. Great 10 D. Gather 6
B. Zion 7 E. Judah 6
C. Wine 7 F. Offering 6
KEY PHRASE: A. “the day of the Lord” 5
5. KEY VERSES: 2:28-32
6. PURPOSE: (A three – fold application of “the day of Lord”)
A. Local : To call the House of Judah, which was under Divine
judgments, to repentance.
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B. Prophetic: To point to the last days judgments, repentance,
revival, and outpouring of the Spirit upon all flesh.
C. Final: To point to The Day of the Second Coming of the Lord.
NOTE: The day of the Lord runs throughout the history of the Kingdom of God,
occurring in each particular judgment as a type of that Great and Final Day of
the Lord.
7. MESSAGE: A. True repentance is a Godly sorrow, a rending of the heart, and a
turning from evil .
B. True repentance lays at the foundation of all real revival and
every outpouring of the Spirit
8. OUTLINE: I. Ruin and Repentance
Judgment Ch. 1:1-2:17
A. Ruin Ch. 1:1-2:11
B. Repentance Ch. 2:12-II.
Revival and Restoration
Blessing Ch.2:18,3:21
A. Revival Ch.2:18-32
B. Restoration Ch. 3:1-21
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9. SUMMARY: Joel gives us a picture of Judah living in the land promised to
Abraham and his seed. They were receiving the curse of the Palestinian Covenant
(Deut. 29:1) by breaking it’s conditions of blessing (Deut. 11:10-17; 1 Kings 8:35
– 40). The Word of the Lord through Joel calls them to genuine repentance; an
inward rending of the heart and not an outward rending of the garments. The Lord
promises the nation of Judah refreshing, revival, and restoration through a natural
out-poured rain, which shadowed and prophesied of the outpouring of spiritual
rain upon the church. This promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit is Joel’s
distinctive link with the New Testament (Acts 2:14-21). Thus he is called “The
Prophet of Pentecost”.
10. CHRIST SEEN: Christ is seen as our “Jehovah-God”, the Promise of (Lk. 42:49),
the Receiver of (Acts 2: 33), and Baptized in (Jn. 1:31-33) the out-poured Spirit.
11. STATISTICS
Twenty-nine Book of the Bible 2,034 Words
71
AMOS
1. TITLES: A. Amos = burden bearer, or bearing a load
B. The Book of Judgment
C. The Book of Punishment
2. AUTHOR: Written by Amos, the prophet of Punishment, who ministered to
the House of Israel.
3. DATE: A. Amos’ ministry covered a period of about 10 years (765-755
B.C.), during the reign Jeroboam II of Israel.
4. KEY WORDS: A. Israel 30 C. Transgress 12
B. Captive 13 D. Punishment 9
KEY PHRASES: A. “I will not turn away the punishment thereof” 8
B. “yet have ye not returned to Me” 5
5. KEY VERSES: 4:11, 12
6. PURPOSE: A. To pronounce punishment upon the Gentile Nations for their
transgression.
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B. To pronounce punishment upon Israel, the Chosen nation, for
their transgressions.
C. To proclaim promises of restoration in Messianic times.
7. MESSAGE: A. God is sovereign over all the nations and holds them
accountable for their treatment of other races and nations.
B. National sin brings national punishment.
8. OUTLINE: I. Eight Burdens On Gentile Nations and Israel Ch. 1-2
(Announcement/Sentence/Sins)
II. Three Discourses Against Israel Ch. 3-6
(Judgment Deserved/Judgment Decreed)
III. Five Visions Concerning Israel Ch. 7-9
(Judgment Restrained/Judgment Determined/Judgment Executed)
9. SUMMARY: Amos was a herdsman and was not educated in the school of the
prophets, neither was he of the priestly or kingly lines. Nevertheless he was
chosen to be a prophet of Divine Justice, upholding the righteousness of the Law,
and declaring judgments upon the sinful nations. His ministry deals particularly
with the relationships between nations, denouncing their sins of inhumanity.
Amos also gives the notable prophecy of the restoration of the Tabernacle of
David and the Gentiles coming into blessing under Messiah’s times (Acts 15:15-
18)
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10. CHRIST SEEN: Christ is seen as our “Burden Bearer”, not only bearing our sins
(Is.53:12), but also the burden of the Word of the Lord (Jn.1:1,2). He is the final
Judge and Punisher of all nations (IIThes.1:7-9) and He is the Builder of the
church (Mt.16:18, 19), the spiritual Tabernacle of David.
11. STATISTICS
Thirty Book of the Bible 4,217 Words
74
OBADIAH
1. TITLES: A. Obadiah = servant of the Lord, or worshipper of Jehovah
B. The Book of Retribution
2. AUTHOR: Written by Obadiah, the Prophet of Devine Retribution, who
prophesied against Edom.
3. DATE: A. Obadiah’s ministry covered a period of about 8 years (848 – 840
B.C) during the reign of Jeroboam of Judah. (Some place
Obadiah’s ministry during or after the Babylonian Captivity.)
B. Probably written between 848 and 840 B.C.
4. KEY WORDS: A. Day 12 C. Possess (ions) 7
B. Esau, Edom 9 A. “cut off” 3
5. KEY VERSES: 4, 15
6. PURPOSE: A. To pronounce doom, destruction and desolation on Esau/Edom.
B. To confirm the promises of deliverance and restoration of
Jacob/Israel both Historically and prophetically.
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7. MESSAGE: A. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a
fall” (Pr.16:18).
B. “As a man sows so shall he reap” (Gal.6:7-9).
8. OUTLINE: I. Esau/Edom Vs. 1-16
A. Destruction Decided Vs. 1-9
B. Sins Denounced Vs. 10-14
C. Judgment Declared Vs. 15-16
II. Jacob ’Israel” Vs. 17-21
Deliverance and Restoration
9. SUMMARY: The Book of Obadiah shows the Law of Divine Retribution.
“as you have done . . .so shall it be done unto you”(v.15)
Edom’s treachery against Judah -Edom to perish through treachery (v. 11)
Edom robbed Judah (v.13) -Edom to be robbed (v.5,6)
Edom lifted sword in violence (v.10) -Edom to have sword in violence (v.12-14)
Edom sought utter destruction of Judah (v.12-14) - Edom has utter destruction
(v.9,10,18)
Though Judah was promised restoration after punishment, Edom was given no
promise of restoration. The background and key to this book is to be found in the
relationship of these two nations and their fathers, Esau and Jacob.
NOTE: There are several cross references between Obadiah and Amos.
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10. CHRIST SEEN: Christ is seen as the Servant (Phil.2:7) and Worshipper (Heb.2:12)
of Jehovah, and the Executor of Divine Retribution (II Thes. 1:6-10).
11. STATISTICS
Thirty-one Book of the Bible 670 Words
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JONAH
1. TITLES: A. Jonah = dove
B. The book of Mercy On The Gentiles
2. AUTHOR: Written by Jonah the prophet of Mercy On The Gentiles, who
ministered to the House of Israel and to Assyria.
3. DATE: A. Jonah’s ministry covered a period of about 15 years (785–770
B.C.), during the reigns of Jehoash and Jeroboam II of Israel.
4. KEY WORDS: A. Anger (ry) 6
B. Prepared 4
C. Down 4
5. KEY VERSES: A. “Presence of the Lord”
6. PURPOSE: A. To demonstrate God’s love and mercy for the Gentiles as well
for Israel (Rom. 3:29; 10:12)
B. To show God’s method of dealing with His disobedient
servants.
C. To set forth Messiah’s ministry typologically.
7. MESSAGE: A. “God is no respecter of persons. But in every nation he that
feared Him. And worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.”
(Acts 10:34, 35).
B. God’s servants most learn the lesson that God will have mercy
on whom He will have mercy.
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C. Through disobedience, the servant of God will bring the
chastening of God upon himself.
8. OUTLINE: I. Jonah and the Storm Disobedient Prophet Ch.1
II. Jonah and the Fish Praying Prophet Ch.2
III. Jonah and the City Preaching Prophet Ch.3
IV. Jonah and the Lord chastened Prophet Ch.4
9. SUMMARY: In Jonah, we find the great Genetic city of Nineveh repenting and
`turning to God under the reluctant preaching of the prophet Jonah. In chapter one
we see Jonah fleeing from the presence of the Lord, going down to Joppa, down
into the ship, and finally down into the belly of the fish. In chapter three Jonah
finally delivers God’s message to Nineveh and the whole city repents, but in
chapter four he is once again chastened by the Lord for being angry when God
does not fulfill Jonah’s prophecy by destroying Nineveh.
10. CHRIST SEEN: Christ is seen as “the Greater than Jonah” using Jonah’s experience
as a sign of his own death, burial, and of God’s mercy on the repentant Gentiles
(Mt. 12:39-41).
11. STATISTICS
Thirty-two Book of the Bible 1,321Words
48 Verses 1 Prophecy
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MICAH
1. TITLES: A. Micah = who is like Jehovah, God-like
B. The Book of Sermons
C. The Book of Conviction
2. AUTHOR: Written by Micah, the prophet of Messianic Conviction, who
ministered to both Israel and Judah . (He was the only “minor”
prophet to do so.)
3. DATE: A. Micah’s ministry covered a period of 35 years ( 735 – 700
B.C.), during the reign of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah
and the reigns of Pekah and Hoshea of Israel. Thus he
witnessed the Captivity of Israel to Assyria.
B. Written between 735 and 700B.C.
4. KEY WORDS: A. Israel 12 E. Sin(s,ed) 7
D. Hear(d) 10 F. Transgression(s) 6
E. Zion 9 G. Gather, Assemble 6
F. Jerusalem 8 H. Remnant 6
5. KEY VERSES: 3:8; 6:8; 7:18
6. PURPOSE: A. To convict Israel of their sin and to show their subsequent
judgments in their respective captivities to Assyria and
Babylon
B. To give to the faithful remnant promises of restoration in
Messiah’s times.
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C. To pinpoint the city of Messiah’s birth. (Micah only prophet to
do so.)
7. MESSAGE: A. God hates transgression and ritualism, and after dealing with
them, delights in pardon.
B. Those who remain faithful can be assured of God’s mercy and
redeeming grace.
8. OUTLINE: I. Sin and Judgment To the People “Hear Ye” Ch 1-3
II. Grace and Restoration To the Leaders “Hear Ye” Ch.4-5
III. Controversy and Comfort To the Mountains “Hear Ye” Ch. 6-7
9. SUMMARY: The prophecy of Micah consists of several “sermons” intermingled
with warnings, judgments, exhortations, promises of restoration and Messianic
predictions. In the first sermon to the people he witnesses to Israel and Judah
concerning their apostasy from God and their subsequent judgments. In his
second sermon to the leaders he consoles Israel and Judah with distinctive
Messianic promises of restoration, then in the third sermon to the mountains
(kingdoms) he pleads with Israel concerning the essence of true religion and
closes with the comforting words that God will pardon.
10. CHRIST SEEN: Christ is seen as the Heavenly Micah, who is “like God”; born in
Bethlehem (5:2; Mt. 2:1-6) rejected as the King of the Jews (5:1; Jn, 19: 15), and
the Establisher of His House (4:1,2;Heb. 3:6).
11. STATISTICS
Thirty-three Book of the Bible 3,153 Words
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NAHUM
1. TITLES: A. Nahum = comforter, or penitent
B. The Book of Vengeance
2. AUTHOR: Written by Nahum, the prophet of Comfort and Vengeance, who
ministered to the house of Judah and to the city of Nineveh.
3. DATE: A. Nahum’s ministry covered a period of about 30 years (650-620
B.C.), during the reigns of Manasseh, Amon, and Jossiah of
Judah.
B. Written between 650-620 B.C.
4. KEY WORDS: A. Against -5
B. Wicked (ness) -4
C. Flee (th) -4
D. Away -4
E. Vengeance, Revenge -3
F. Afflict -3
5. KEY VERSES: 1:2,3
6. PURPOSE: A. To pronounce the judgment of God’s vengeance upon Nineveh
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B. To Comfort Judah by declaring the destruction of her enemies
7. MESSAGE: A. God is against those who are against Him
B. Divine vengeance comes upon those who reject God’s mercy.
C. Gods only recourse with a hardened apostate nation is to destroy it.
8. OUTLINE: I. Judgment Declared God Avenges Ch. 1
II. Judgment Described How God Avenges Ch. 2
III. Judgment Deserved Why God Avenges Ch. 3
9. SUMMARY: Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, had ministry of two prophets,
Jonah and Nahum. Jonah was a prophet of mercy, calling the city to repentance.
At that time Nineveh repented and was spared from the destruction prophesied by
Jonah. In the 150 years following its repentance, the city lapsed back into idolatry
worse than before. Thus Nahum was sent to Nineveh to announce the vengeance
of God in the soon-coming destruction of the city. Assyria, after being shown
God’s mercy, showed no mercy to Israel in the Assyrian Captivity and thus God
rendered to them judgment without mercy (Jas. 2:13). Nahum’s declaration of
Divine vengeance upon Nineveh was a comfort to Judah.
10. CHRIST SEEN: Christ is seen as The Prophet of Comfort and Vengeance,
comforting His own (Jn. 14:16) and “executing vengeance on all them that know
not God and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (II Thes. 1:8).
11. STATISTICS
Thirty-four Book of the Bible 1,285Words
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HABAKKUK
1. TITLES: A. Habakkuk = embrace of love, wrestler
B. The Book of Faith
2. AUTHOR: Written by Habakkuk, the prophet of Faith, who ministered to the
House of Judah.
3. DATE: A. Habakkuk’s ministry covered a period of about 20 years (620 –
600 B.C.), During the reigns of Josiah, Jehoahaz, and Jehoiakim
of Judah.
4. KEY WORDS: A. Violence -6
B. Woe -5
C. Judgment -4
D. Spoil (ed, ing) -4
5. KEY VERSES: 2:4
6. PURPOSE: A. To set forth the problem as to why a Holy God would use the
much more wicked nation of Babylon to judge the wicked
nation of Judah
B. To answer the problem by revealing that God will in turn judge
Babylon
7. MESSAGE: A. God is consistent with Himself in view of permitted evil.
B. God is holy and righteous and must punish sin.
C. The just shall live by faith.
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8. OUTLINE: I. The Buren: The Problem of Faith First Conversation Ch. 1
II. The Vision: The Answer of Faith Second conversation Ch.2
III. The Prayer: The Assurance of Faith Prophet’s Psalm Ch.3
9. SUMMARY: Habakkuk is not a direct address to the people of Judah, but rather
is a dialogue between the prophet and God. In the first conversation, he complains
of God’s apparent lack of concern over Judah’s sin. The Lord replies that He will
use the Babylonians to judge Judah. To Habakkuk this only complicates the
matter and in the second conversation he complains of God’s apparent lack of
concern over the cruelty of the Babylonians, and the Lord answers that He will
also judge Babylon for her violence. The prophet, having his questions answered,
closes with a psalm of trust and triumph in the Lord.
NOTE: This book contains the only positive use of the word faith in the Old Testament.
10. CHRIST SEEN: Christ is seen as The Judge of Babylon (Rev. 17,18) and the
Rewarder of those that diligently seek Him in faith (Heb. 10:38;
11:6)
11. STATISTICS
Thirty-five Book of the Bible 1,476Words
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ZEPHANIAH
1. TITLES: A. Zephaniah = hidden of Jehovah, Jehovah has concealed or protected.
B. The Book of The Day of Wrath
2. AUTHOR: Written by Zephaniah, the prophet of The Day of Wrath, who
ministered to the House of Judah
3. DATE: A. Zephaniah’s ministry covered a period of about 14 years ( 638 –624
B.C.), during the reign of Josiah, King of Judah.
4. KEY WORDS: A. Day 21 D. Anger, Wrath 6
B. Desolate (ion) 8 E. Remnant 4
C. Against 8
KEY PHRASES: A. “I will (be, Lord)” 30
B. “day of the Lord” 7
C. “cut off” 5
5. KEY VERSES: 1:18
6. PURPOSE: A. To warn the House of Judah of the coming day of wrath: Their
desolation at the hand of Babylon.
B. To warn Philistia, Moab, Ethiopia, and Nineveh of the coming
day of wrath.
C. To comfort the faithful remnant with the promise of restoration.
7. MESSAGE: A. “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any
people,” (Pr. 4:34)
86
B. God Himself will punish nations for their wickedness.
8. OUTLINE: I. The Day of Wrath upon Judah Ch.1:1 – 2:3 (Look Within)
II. The Day of Wrath upon Nations Ch. 2:4-15 (Look Around)
III. Reason for wrath on Judah Ch. 3:8-20 (Look Above)
IV. Faithful Remnant Restored Ch. 3:9-20 (Look Beyond)
9. SUMMARY: Both Zephaniah the prophet and Josiah the king were great, great
grandsons of Hezekiah(1:1). Thus Zephaniah was a prince of the royal house of
David. His Prophecy reflects the evil times begun under the reigns of Manasseh
and Amon. He therefore sees the coming day of the Lord as being a day of wrath,
anger, trouble, distress, desolation, darkness, and gloominess. This had a
historical and local fulfillment under Babylon, during which God preserved unto
Himself a faithful remnant. His prophecy also points prophetically and ultimately
to the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and the preservation of the Church
10. CHRIST SEEN: Christ is seen as a Jealous God (1:18; IICor.11:2) in relation to His
people, and the Executor of God’s judgments (Jn.5:27) in the day of wrath
(Rom.2:5,6).
11. STATISTICS
Thirty-six Book of the Bible 1,617 Words
3 Chapters No Question
87
HAGGAI
1. TITLES: A. Haggai = festive, or my feast
B. The Book of the Rebuilding of the Temple
2. AUTHOR: Written by Haggai, the prophet of The Temple, who ministered to
the restored House of Judah ; especially Zerubbabel and Jeshua.
3. DATE: A. Haggai’s ministry covered a period of about 15 years (520-505
B.C.), beginning 16 years after the first remnant returned from
Babylon.
B. Written in 520 B.C.
4. KEY WORDS: A. Day …………………………………………...11
B. House(of the Lord) …………………………….8
C. Consider………………………………………..5
KEY PHRASES: A. “says the Lord”…………………………….…19
B. “Lord of hosts”……………………………….14
5. KEY VERSES: 1:8
6. PURPOSE: A. To encourage the leaders (Zerubbabel the Governor and Jeshua
the High Priest) and the first remnant that had returned under
Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple.
88
B. To point toward Messiah’s times.
7. MESSAGE: A. God and His House must be first in the life and service of the
redeemed.
B. God will bless those who put Him first (Mr. 6:33)
8. OUTLINE: I. The Word of Rebuke ………………Ch. 1:1.15
To Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the people
II. The Word of Encouragement ………Ch.2: 1.9
To Zerubbabel and Jeshua
III. The Word of Correction ……………Ch. 2: 10.19
To the Priests
IV. The Word of Promise ……………...Ch. 2: 20.23
To Zerubbabel
9. SUMMARY: Haggai was the first of the three prophets to minister to Judah after
the Babylonian Captivity. Because of opposition, the word of rebuilding the
temple had ceased for several years. The people had grown cold-hearted and had
not made any attempt to begin the work again. Thus Haggai and Zerubbabel them
to do so. The bulk of Haggai’s prophecy is personal, to Zerubbabel the governor
(political leader) and to Jeshua the high priest (religious leader). The remainder
contains rebuke and encouragement to the priest and the people. Interwoven
among the prophecies concerning the literal temple are prophecies pertaining to
the spiritual temple – the Church.
89
10. CHRIST SEEN: Christ is seen as our Prophet (Haggai), priest (Jeshua), and prince
(Zerubbabel), thus uniting the three offices in one person. He is the Builder of The
Lord’s House –The Church Mt.16:18
11. STATISTICS
Thirty-seven Book of the Bible 1,131Words
90
ZECHARIAH
1. TITLES: A. Zechariah = Jehovah remembers
B. The Book of Messianic Vision .
2. AUTHOR: Written by Zechariah, the prophet of Messianic Vision, who
ministered to the restored house of Judah.
3. DATE: A. Zechariah’s ministry covered a period of about 40 years (520–
480 B.C), beginning 16 years after the first remnant returned
from Babylon.
B. Chapters 1-8 were written between 520 and 518 B.C, while
chapters 9-14 were written between 490 and 480 B.C.
4. KEY WORDS: A. Jerusalem 41
B. Judah 22
C. Against 18
D. House (of the Lord) 10
E. Jealous 5
KEY PHRASES: A. “Lord of hosts” 53
B. “Saith the Lord” 42
C. “That day” 21
D. “Word of the Lord” 13
91
5. KEY VERSES: 6:12, 13; 8:1-3
6. PURPOSE: A. To stir the remnant to complete the unfinished temple.
B. To prophesy of the Messiah in His first and second comings
and the establishment of His Kingdom.
7. MESSAGE: A. God is jealous for His House and will see to it that it is restored.
B. All of God’s purposes are consummated in Messiah and his
Kingdom.
8. OUTLINE: I. Eight Symbolic Visions Ch. 1-6
II. Four Didactic Messages Ch. 7-8
III. Two Prophetic Burdens Ch.9-14
9. SUMMARY: Zechariah was the second of the three prophets to minister to Judah
after the Babylonian Captivity. The nature of Haggai’s message was one of
rebuke dealing with the outward work of rebuilding the temple, while Zecariah’s
message was one of encouragement to bring about an inward spiritual change in
the people. Thus we see them ministering together (Ezra 5:1). The first two
sections of Zechariah were given while the temple was being rebuilt and are
partially fulfilled at that time. The third section was given after the temple was
rebuilt and overflows into Messianic times.
NOTE: There are more specific Messianic predictions in Zechariah than in all the other
“minor prophets” combined.
92
10. CHRIST SEEN: Christ is seen as the “One Whom Jehovah
Remembers”(Zechariah), as the Branch (3:9, Mt.2:23 – Nazarene), Jehovah
Servant (3:8; Phil.2:7), the Smitten Shepherd (13:7; Mk. 14:27), the King Priest
(6:9-12; Heb.5:5,6), the Builder of the spiritual Temple (6:12-15; Mt.16:18), and
the King over all the earth (14:9; Rev. 19:16).
11. STATISTICS
Thirty-eight Book of the Bible 6,444 Words
93
MALACHI
1. TITLES: A. Malachi = messenger of Jehovah, or my messenger
B. The Book of The Lord’s Messengers
2. AUTHOR: Written by Malachi the Prophet of The Lord’s Messenger
3. DATE: A. Malachi’s ministry covered a period of about 25 years (435-
410 B.C.), during the governorship of Nehemiah over the
restored House of Jacob.
B. Written between 435 and 410 B.C. This was the last book of
the Old Testament to be written.
4. KEY WORDS: A. Where? (in, for), What? 13
B. Curse (d) 7
C. Covenant 6
D. Treacherously 5
KEY PHRASES: A. “saith the Lord” 25
B. “Lord of Hosts” 24
C. “ye say” 11
5. KEY VERSES: 3:1, 9, 10
94
6. PURPOSE: A. To reprove the remnant for their neglect of the temple.
B. To reprove the priests for their profaning the temple worship
C. To encourage the faithful remnant with Messianic promises.
7. MESSAGE: A. Sins of hypocrisy harden and blind the heart.
B. Obedience brings blessing and disobedience brings cursing.
8. OUTLINE: I. Message to the Priests (Religious) Ch. 1:1.2:9
II. Message to the People (Social) Ch. 2:10,17
III. Message to the Faithful (Moral) Ch. 3.4
9. SUMMARY: Malachi was the last of the three prophets to minister to Judah after
the Babylonian Captivity. Haggai and Zechariah were sent to rebuke the people
for failing to rebuild the temple. Then generations later Malachi was sent to
reprove the priests and the people for their neglect, profanity, and formalism
relative to the temple worship. This he did with the question and answer method
(there are no less than 23 questions in this book). Malachi was the last messenger
of the O.T. prophets, referring to the priests as messengers of the Lord (2:7), and
pointing to the first N.T. messenger, John the Baptist (3:la; Mk. 1:2), and also to
Messiah, The Messenger of the New Covenant (3:lb).
NOTE: Between Malachi and John the Baptist come the “400 silent years:.
95
10. CHRIST SEEN: Christ is seen as The Messenger of the New Covenant the Refiner
and Purifier of His people (3:13; Mt.3:11) and the Cleanser of the temple (Jn.
2:13-17; Mt. 21:12-14).
11. STATISTICS
Thirty-nine Book of the Bible 1,783 Words
96

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PROPHET MANUAL

Good Professor, Ph.D.

the relation between false and true prophets.

2. To be able to attain a thorough knowledge and how to practice prophesy in

the right and biblical way.

III. Course Requirements

1. Read one book, summarize each chapter and submit.

2. Submission of 18 – 25 pages Term Paper

. Should be typewritten in a short bond paper and double space.

. With cover title page, table of contents, introduction, summary, conclusion

IV, Grading System

2. Class participation 10%

3. Mid Term 20%

4. Final Exam 20%

5. Term Paper (18-25 pages) 25%

Archer, G.L. 1964

Childs, B.S. 1979

3. My Servants The Prophets

W.M. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.

4. Prophesying For A Release of Faith

Sovereign World, 1993

5. Prophets of fire and Water

Christian Life Publishers, 1989

6. Developing Your Prophetic Gifting

Sovereign World, 1994

7. The Bible Book by Book

Colemen, Luck, 1955

8. Intro. to the Old Testament

Harrisson, P.K. 1969

9. Simply Understanding the Bible

10. Exploring The Old Testament

W.T. Purkiser, Editor

Beacon Hill Press, Kansas City, Mo.

11. Teacher’s Commentary

12. The Complete Word Study

Chattanooga, TN, U.S.A.

13. Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament

Christ Victor Publishing

Kingsway Communications, Eastbourne, England

14. Themes in Old Testament Theology

Inter Varsity Press, Illinois

Source of the Prophetic Message 8

Dreams or Night Visions 9

Prophesying the Vision of the Lord 10

The Divine Origin of the Prophetic Institution 10

Exposition of Deuteronomy 18:9-22 11

The Identity of the Prophet 12

Deuteronomy 18 contains a double reference 13

Moses and the Prophets 14

The Terminology of Prophetism 16

What is “to prophesy” 16

The Schools of the Prophets 16

False and True Prophets 17

The False Prophets 17

The Distinction Between True and False Prophets 19

The Prophets as Recipients of Revelation 20

Prophecy and Scripture 21

Strategy and Tactics 22

Getting Hold of the False 23

Counter Arguments to Release Prophecy 24