HE GAVE US PROPHETS
STUDY GUIDE 2
Lesson 2: A Prophet's Job


OUTLINE FOR NOTES

Introduction

I. Job Titles 

A. Primary Term 

B. Secondary Terms 

II. Job Transitions 

A. Pre-Monarchy 
B. Monarchy
C. Exile 
D. Post-Exile 

III. Job Expectations 

A. Popular Models

  1. Medium/Shaman 
  2. Fortune Teller

B. Covenant Model 

  1. Past Understandings 
  2. Contemporary Understandings 

Summary


REVIEW QUESTIONS

1.What is the Greek work from which we get the English word "prophet"? This term can have two meanings. What are they?

2. What is the most common Hebrew word in the Old Testament translated "prophet? What is its basic meaning?

3. Note other secondary hebrew words for "prophet" and indicate their meaning.

4. What were the characteristics of the prophet’s job before the monarchy?

5. What were the characteristics of the prophet’s job during the monarchy?

6. What were the characteristics of the prophet’s job during the exile?

7. What were the characteristics of the prophet’s job after the exile?

8. In what ways did prophecy become more or less prominent and formal as the institution of the monarchy rose and fell?

9. Describe two popular ways that interpreters of the Bible have thought about the job of the prophet. How have these ways of thinking impacted their understanding of prophecy?

10. What is the “covenant model” for understanding a prophet’s job? Why is this model more helpful than others?


APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. By studying the titles of prophets, how has your understanding of a prophet’s job broadened?

2. How do ancient Near-Eastern treaties help us understand God’s relationship with Israel?

3. How does Isaiah 6 illustrate the covenant role of a prophet?

4. What is the most significant insight you have learned from this study? Why?