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The Role and Message of the Prophets
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God was upset at his people about two things in the prophets: idolatry and oppression.
-Dr. Steve Lennox
The prophets played a vital role in Israelite society as God’s spokespeople. They were not fortune-tellers but were called to deliver God’s messages to His people. Their messages often included warnings about the consequences of disobedience, calls to repentance, and promises of future restoration.
The prophets were also social reformers, confronting injustices and calling for righteousness and mercy. Books like Amos and Micah are notable for their strong emphasis on social justice.
Despite the harsh messages of judgment, the prophetic books also contain promises of hope and restoration. They foresee a time when God will restore Israel, renew the covenant, and establish lasting peace. This element of future hope is a distinctive feature of prophetic preaching.