The prophets were just ordinary people like you and me. They were not angels or entities sent directly from heaven. Neither were they chosen because they had great charisma. They had dedicated their lives to the Lord. They were the ones who were willing to be radical during a time of idolatry and wickedness. Putting everything aside to pursue the Lord, they went against the grain of the surrounding lifestyle. They walked with God and talked with Him. Like David, they had come into a place of knowing the heart of Yahweh. They were intimate with Him in such a way that they were moved by what moved Him. The things that burdened His heart were impressed on their own, just as close friends can feel each other’s burdens. The messages the prophets spoke were not just words they heard from God. They were not just messages, but an impregnation of the very heart of God into their lives. Through these men and women (2 Kings 22: 14-20) the Lord spoke to His people, expressing the depths of His feelings for them. This is why the prophets themselves were so passionate about the messages they presented. Not only did they verbalize the heart and emotions of the Lord, but they also experienced them. They were not primarily concerned about foretelling the future, but rather turning the hearts of the people back to God – to show them how far they had strayed from Him and yet how much He still cherished them.

The above painting of Elijah being taken to heaven, is included in our introduction since he was perhaps the father of the Prophets, even though Samuel was the first to have a school or company of prophets. Elisha who was the protégé of Elijah, was also mighty in the Lord and in godly character. And there were many others throughout the early history of Israel. Yet, except for a verse here or there and a record of their activities, they have no writings or books of the Bible. David wrote several prophetic Psalms that are part of Scripture, and Moses wrote some also, including the five books of Torah and its many prophetic passages. Yet as the time came for the judgment of Israel and its Diaspora, God raised up a host of prophets to proclaim the burden of the Lord and write it down for a witness to future generations. Central to that message was the revelation and message of the Messiah and His unveiling to the world. Upon this foundation the true church of Christ is built1 and through these God breathed words the State of Israel will be brought to His side. May the Lord bless you with wisdom and understanding as you study the Prophets of Israel!

This article is the introduction to “The Prophets of Israel” Textbook by PJ Hanley, written as a companion to the Banner of Love School of the Bible section on the Prophets. To find out more, visit school.banneroflove.org.

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