OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS: UNDERSTANDING THEIR PROPHECIES

ABSTRACT

The Church at present times experiences confusion regarding prophecies in Old Testament prophetic books. This confusion has arisen due to misconception of original inspiration of the prophets, which majority of prophecy experts assume to be mechanical neglecting the prophet's mental state, his location and circumstances that prevailed at the time of the prophecy. Departure from original meaning of prophecies of Old Testament prophetic messages is also common in present interpretations which take atomistic- catch phrase approach, taking ahistorical perspective. New Testament interpretation of prophetic scriptures, explanation of prophetic fulfillment by coming of Jesus as Messiah and acknowledgement of salvation through Him is cited as a sound basis of interpretation. Present interpretations need to be in the same light. To understand prophetic messages, prophets' job titles, job transitions and job expectations must be understood. These prophetic messages respond to various covenants God made with his people for the sake of humanity. We as Christians today are people of the Covenant, watchmen of the people and must know our job expectations and perform it to the letter.

Keywords:  Covenant, Salvation.

1. INTRODUCTION

Misconception of prophetic messages has resulted in confusion of meaning and distortion of original messages. Proper exegesis should focus on the search for historical period and theme signified by prophetic messages (1 Peter 1:11; Daniel 12: 8; Isaiah 7:17). Since these messages were meant for the people of God, and were secrets God revealed (Amos 3:8), their interpretations should be dependent on God's purpose and will for His people

Examples of interpretations of prophetic scriptures are found in New Testament. These had Jesus Christ as the Centre of prophetic messages. Dr. Luke (Luke 24:25-26) notes Christ reminding the disciples o the sufferings he had to face to enter glory saying "O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken". Dr. Luke further notes in his treatise to Theophilus that Apostle Peter, on the Day of the Pentecost, spoke of David foretelling the resurrection of Christ saying "His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption" (Acts 2:31). Numerous New Testament interpretations relied on the Authority of the prophetic scriptures to explain prophetic fulfillment with Jesus as the Messiah (John 12:39-40; Luke 24:27; Jeremiah 31:31; Luke 22:20).

In order to redeem man, God had a plan, process and destiny for all humanity. He made covenants with Adam (Genesis 1:33), Noah (Genesis 8:21-22; 9:1), Abraham (Genesis 15 and 17), Moses (Exodus 19 to 24), David (2 Samuel 7; Psalms 89; Psalms 132) and the New Covenant through Christ Jesus (Jeremiah 31:31-33; Ezekiel 34:25; Luke 22:20).

The process of redemption of mankind as prophesied in the Hebrew prophetic scriptures was inaugurated by the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, and this is salvation, in the Covenant, by faith in Jesus as the last Adam (Romans 5:18; Hebrews 5:7-10; Isaiah 53:5-6; John 15:6).

2. JOB OF OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS

Old Testament prophets were referred to by different titles depending on their job at their times. Some of the job titles were: seers (1 Samuel 9:9; 2 Samuel 24:11) because they were known to "look at heaven"; watchmen (Ezekiel 3:17) since they were regarded as people "who keep guard"; messengers (Haggai 1:13) as people sent by God; men of God (2Kings 1:12) among other titles.

Through a period of history, prophets' job underwent various transitions. Their roles in pre-monarchy, monarchy, exile and post-exile periods changed. Before monarchy, there were few prophets and variety of their services was temporary. During the monarchy, there were changes in roles of prophets and they were numerous. Most of the prophets gave service to the king and they warned of corruption (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). Nathan warned David, Oded warned Ahaz and Elijah was to Ahab. When Israel and Judah was exiled, there were few prophets and God gave messages of hope of restoration. Prophets of this time were Jeremiah and Ezekiel. In the post-exile period there was potential monarchy and few prophets. They offered formal service, and the main purpose was restoration and reconstruction of the temple.  This is the time of Haggai, Zechariah, Zephaniah and Malachi.

Covenant Model is used to help understand prophets' job expectations,. This model is founded on the understanding of historical context of treaties (Suzerain-Vassal Treaties) that were in force during that time. The treaties were so serious that breach of expectations spelt in them by the weaker party would mean destruction. Similarly, God's Covenant is serious and places great expectation on His people. Covenant violation is condemned; but there is a promise of blessing for Covenant keepers. Prophets as God's emissaries to the people had to explain the terms of the covenant just as the Suzerain's emissaries to the Vassal at that historical period. The prophet has to be fully in his role and has to submit himself to it. He is to receive vision from God (Isaiah 6:1-5), must be cleansed (Isaiah 6:6-7) and must be convicted to God's mission (Isaiah 6:8-13).

3. PEOPLE OF THE COVENANT

3.1. HUMANITY IN COVENANT

The covenant that included all humanity is also called Universal Covenant. It was made by Adam, Noah, Abraham and finally fulfilled by Christ Jesus. These covenants human destiny (Genesis 9:11; Isaiah 25: 6-8; Jeremiah 3:17), divine patience (Genesis 8:21) and put on man due responsibility (Genesis 1:26).

3.2. ISRAEL IN COVENANT

The physical aspect of Abrahamic Covenant  was meant to Israel as chosen people and there was promise of  many descendants and land (Canaan) (Genesis 15 and 17). Mossaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24) was also for Israel and the main feature was the law; it contained curses for disobedience and blessings for obedience. Physical aspect of Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7; Psalms 89; Psalms 132) was for Israel.

3.3. MESSIAIC COVENANT

This is covenant through Christ Jesus; and is a fulfillment of prophetic promise of God to save humanity (Jeremiah 31:31; Ezekiel 34:25; Luke 22:20). It is Salvation through faith, or removal of foreskins of the heart (Jeremiah 4:4); God did not intend man to die so he planned for salvation of humanity.

Only the elect "faithful remnant" who have washed their garments by the Blood of the Lamb will be saved. Presently there is election to covenant blessings (Isaiah 14:1). Secure destiny of salvation is kept until the end (Romans 9:6-7).

4. THE PRESENT CHURCH

Isaiah 59:14-16 reads "And judgment is turned away backward and justice stands afar off, for truth is fallen in the street and equity cannot enter. Yes, truth fails and he that departs  from evil makes himself a prey: and the LORD saw it and it displeased Him that there was no judgment. And he saw there was no man and wondered that there was no INTERCESSOR: therefore His arm brought salvation to him and His righteousness it sustained Him.

We current believers must realize the heavy covenant responsibility and terms placed upon us. We must know that God has great job expectations of us as Kingdom heirs. We are Christ's emissaries to the world and have a definite duty of witnessing and building Christ's body, the Church. God sought us to stand in the gap between Him and the people as he did to Ezekiel for Israel: "I sought for a man among them that would make up the hedge and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not desytroy it,..." (Ezekiel 22:30). Christ is our Mediator between us and God, and He is the Head and we are the body. We have to work with Christ in accomplishing the entire goal of Salvation of mankind. We are the watchmen of this time, the prophets (Joel 2:28); and messengers of God to the people.

5. CONCLUSIONS

The following conclusions can be drawn from the above:

1. Covenant Model interpretation of Old Testament prophetic scripture is a reliable basis for understanding the prophetic books;
2. New Testament Messiaic and Apostolic interpretations form exemplary model for interpretation by the current Church;
3. Current believers should realize their prophetic mission in this age of the New Covenant.
4. Time of the end is near, let all believers hold fast to their Heavenly Mission, crown is waiting.