Explain five categories of true prophets and characteristics of the true prophets in the Old Testament.

EXPLAIN five CATEGORIES OF TRUE PROPHETS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRUE PROPHETS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT.

Categories of true prophets in the Old Testament:

a) Major prophets

​their messages/books are elaborate I detailed

b) Minor prophets

​they have short/brief messages

c) Canonical prophets

​they are prophets whose utterances are recorded in books that bear their names

d) Non-canonical prophets

​they are prophets whose oracles/messages have been compiled by other authors

e) Cultic/early prophets

​they are prophets whose duties were associated with places of worship

Discuss the five categories of prophets

1. Early Old Testament prophets

​They appeared early in the history of Israel as a nation e.g. Moses, Elijah, Samuel, Nathan

2. Professional prophets

​They earned their living through their work of prophecy Samuel was given a silver coin as a token for his prophecy
​They were true prophets and they never gave prophecies in favour of what the king wanted to hear

3. Prophetess

​Female / women prophets e.g. Hilda, Miriam and others

4. Canonical prophets

​Their writings were accepted as truth from God. Their prophecies are recorded and preserved under books bearing their names

Work of canonical prophets

1. Foretold future events
2. Called people to repent of sins
3. Are God’s spokesmen
4. Proclaimed God’s judgement
5. Give the audience hope and encouragement during suffering
6. They told people God’s will

5. False prophets

• They were prophets who were claimed to speak in the name of Yahweh
• They demanded payments for their services
• They lived immoral lives
• They gave false testimonies
• They practised prophetic ecstasy
• They were not guided by Yahweh by their imagination
• They promoted idolatry
• They gave messages which pleased people
• ​Some were paid by the king to convey messages which pleased him

Characteristics of the true prophets in the Old Testament.

1. They were God’s mouthpiece/spokespeople/mediators
2. They responded to God’s call in faith / they obeyed.
3. They were called by God.
4. They were given specific tasks to carry out.
5. They communicated God’s messages with authority / without fear.
6. They spoke the truth in all circumstances.
7. Their prophecies came true / were fulfilled.
8. They never worked for material gain / were not paid for their work.
9. They called people to come back to the covenant way of life/monotheism.
10. They pronounced God’s punishment/judgment/restoration/hope.
11. They were persecuted for their work.
12. They led exemplary lives/were role models / prayerful/righteous.
13. They understood the nature of the prophesies.