Reading Andinterpreting the Old Testament Prophets

Reading and Interpreting the Prophets/Module 1

The four presentations which are part of this week’s assignment have contributed significantly to my understanding of the prophets and their messages. Until now, I always thought of a prophet as just someone God uses to foretell messages of future events to others. However, one sees that the way in which a message from God is given by a prophet can be almost as important as the message itself. Certainly, the Old Testament prophets knew this. The presenters of the four video presentations, commented that the extreme language, pictures, and images found in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, serve as a wake-up call to those confronted by the ancient men of God. Also, poetry rather than prose is used. The purpose is to touch the hearts of the sinful people; and to turn their hearts back to God.

The prophets’ message gives a clear warning to the listeners that judgment will soon follow unless they repent of their wickedness. Due to the loving and merciful nature of God, judgment will be eventually followed by restoration, but only after much pain and suffering.

The speaker in the Reading and Interpreting the Prophets Part 1 video, defines prophet as, also, one in ancient biblical times, who sits on the wall of a city and warns its inhabitants of an approaching enemy.

This information is beneficial, because it helps me to understand not only the significance of ancient prophets in the time in which they lived, but also to distinguish further, the different way the word prophet is understood, today.

The same speaker in the Reading and Interpreting the Prophets Part 2 video, shares with students eight basic rules for interpreting prophecy; all of which provide a framework for correct interpretation.

My speculation is that the third rule is the one I violate the most. If the verse gives me a positive message, I feel that I want to “adopt” it regardless of its...