A Study Guide for The Book Of Lamentations
An Expose’ On Hope
Much More Than A Poignant Story
Lesson 1
A Few Important Words About Prophets
Introduction:
I.
The Descriptive Words Of Identification Given To Prophets.
A.
Prophets were described or referred to by a number of terms due to the nature of their ministry and calling.
B.
They were called prophets, seers, watchmen, men of God, messengers, and servants of the Lord.
II.
Their Directives or Messages.
A.
As a mouthpiece or spokesman for God, the prophet’s primary duty was to speak forth God’s message to God’s people in the historical context of what was happening among God’s people.
B.
The broadest meaning is that of forth telling; the narrower meaning is that of foretelling.
C.
In the process of proclaiming God’s message, the prophet would sometimes reveal that which pertained to the future, but, contrary to popular opinion, this was only a small part of the prophets’ message.
1.
Forth telling involved insight into the will of God; it was exhortative, challenging men to obey.
2.
Foretelling entailed foresight into the plan of God; it was predictive, either encouraging the righteous in view of God’s promises or warning in view of coming judgment.
D.
The prophet was the divinely chosen spokesman who, having received God’s message proclaimed it in oral, visual, or written form to the people.