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Where are the prophets today?
"Are there prophets like Israel had in the Old Testament?" "Do men speak with prophetic voices today?"
The prophecies of Old Testament can be traced biblically, historically as well as in almost every culture of the world. During the influences from Bible's cultures, it is helpful to note the time frame in which Old Testament prophecy flourished. Even though Moses is referred to anachronistically as the prophet of God (Deut 34:10), Old Testament prophecy arose with Samuel in the eleventh century BC, and became very silent seemly all but died out by the sixth century BC in the post-exilic era. There were a few prophets after the exile, but beginning with Ezekiel most were also priests and served a slightly different role in Israel (Haggai, Zechariah). Malachi, around 450 BC, is considered the last of the Old Testament prophets. It is no coincidence that the beginning of Old Testament prophecy coincided with the rise of monarchy, and that the decline of prophetic activity also coincided with the demise of the monarchy. The first prophet, Samuel, was a kingmaker. And the ministry of the last pre-exilic prophet, Jeremiah, was marked by conflict with Israel's King Jehoiakim.
Prophets were often in conflict with kings. Nathan dared confront David with his murderous sin. Amos was asked to leave the Northern Kingdom because he dared speak against the king (Jereboam II) in one of his own royal temples. Both Micah and Isaiah fiercely attacked the pro-Assyrian political intrigue and religious syncretism of Ahaz. And even John the Baptist felt the responsibility to challenge Herod, with deadly consequences. More on the prophets...... |
