lesson 3 Flashcards
what is the definition of prophecy in the bible?
In the Bible, prophecy refers to the divine communication delivered by prophets, who are individuals chosen by God to speak His words and reveal His will to people. Prophecy can involve foretelling future events, but it often focuses on calling people to repentance, guiding them toward righteous living, and declaring God’s judgment or promises.
-Foretelling and Future Predictions: Many prophecies in the Bible foretell future events, such as the fall of nations, the coming of the Messiah, or the restoration of Israel. For example, the prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of Jesus (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6).
-Exhortation and Calls to Repentance: Prophets often called the people of Israel to repentance and return to God. They would challenge the nation’s idolatry, injustice, and immorality. For example, the prophet Amos preached against social injustice (Amos 5:21-24).
-Judgment and Hope: Prophecy often involved pronouncements of judgment due to the people’s sin, but also promises of hope and restoration. For example, the prophet Jeremiah prophesied the destruction of Judah but also spoke of a future covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
-Messianic Prophecy: Many prophets foretold the coming of a Messiah, a future anointed one who would bring salvation and establish God’s kingdom. For example, Micah 5:2 predicts the birthplace of the Messiah in Bethlehem.
what is the definition of prophecy misconceptions in the bible?
Prophecy misconceptions in the Bible refer to incorrect beliefs or misunderstandings about what prophecy is, how it works, and what it entails, based on misinterpretations of biblical texts or misapplications of prophetic messages.
Misconceptions of prophecy often involve seeing it as primarily about the future, predicting literal events, or being reserved only for a few individuals. Biblical prophecy, however, encompasses a broader range of messages, often focused on calling people to righteousness and repentance, using symbolic language, and sometimes with conditional outcomes based on people’s responses.
what is the definition of prophecy social justice in the bible?
Prophecy and social justice in the Bible refer to the way in which the prophets spoke out against injustice, oppression, and inequality, and called for a return to righteous living and fair treatment of the poor, oppressed, and marginalized. Social justice in the prophetic books is deeply intertwined with obedience to God, and the prophets often framed issues like poverty, exploitation, and corruption as violations of God’s commandments.
what is the definition of the prophetic call narrative in the bible?
The prophetic call narrative in the Bible refers to the story or account of how a prophet is called or chosen by God to deliver His messages. These narratives typically describe the divine encounter where God commissions an individual to speak on His behalf, outlining their mission, the challenges they will face, and the message they are to deliver. The call narrative is significant because it shows the selection of a prophet and often highlights themes of obedience, fear, resistance, and divine empowerment.
Summary: The prophetic call narrative is a key biblical theme where God commissions a prophet through a divine encounter, gives them a message, and assures them of His presence and power. The prophet may initially hesitate or express doubt, but they are empowered and sent to fulfill God’s purposes, often calling people to repentance or announcing judgment and restoration.
what is the definition of female prophets in the bible?
Female prophets in the Bible are women who were called by God to deliver His messages, offer guidance, and play a significant role in the spiritual and political life of Israel and other nations. While the Bible features fewer female prophets compared to male ones, these women held important positions of authority, leadership, and influence in biblical history. Their stories demonstrate that God’s calling to prophesy was not limited by gender and that women played key roles in the communication of God’s will.
-Spiritual Authority: Female prophets in the Bible often held significant spiritual authority and provided guidance to kings, leaders, and communities. They were recognized for their ability to hear from God and communicate His will.
-Leadership and Influence: Many female prophets, like Deborah, not only spoke God’s word but also led the people in times of crisis, making them influential in both spiritual and practical matters.
-God’s Inclusion of Women in His Mission: The presence of female prophets illustrates that God’s call to serve and lead was not limited by gender. These women were agents of God’s revelation and played key roles in His plan for Israel and the world.
-Encouragement for Women in Ministry: The stories of female prophets challenge modern readers to recognize and affirm the role of women in ministry and spiritual leadership, as evidenced in both the Old and New Testaments.
what is the definition of 8th century prophets in the bible?
8th-century prophets in the Bible refer to a group of prophets who lived and prophesied during the 8th century BCE, a period marked by political instability, moral decay, and the rise of the Assyrian Empire. These prophets are significant for their prophetic messages that addressed the social, political, and spiritual conditions of Israel and Judah, often calling the people to repentance, justice, and faithfulness to God. The 8th century was a crucial time for both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah as they faced impending threats from powerful foreign empires and internal corruption.
what is the definition of elijah in the bible?
Elijah in the Bible is a prophet who played a critical role in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a time of spiritual apostasy and idolatry. He is known for his zealous defense of worshiping the one true God, Yahweh, and for confronting the worship of Baal and other false gods, especially under the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Elijah is famous for performing miracles, such as calling down fire from heaven, reviving the dead, and parting the Jordan River. His prophetic ministry also included a dramatic encounter on Mount Carmel, where he challenged the prophets of Baal and proved the supremacy of God. Elijah’s legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to God and his eventual ascension to heaven in a whirlwind, an event that emphasized his unique role as a prophet.
