Prophets served as a compass, a constant reminder of the presence of God and the covenant that bound the people to God.
Prophets, by choice or by being carried by the Spirit, were not caught up in the immediately popular spirit of what was happening. They had an ear for the "different drum" and named names when they saw the covenant with God being broken.
"You blew it." "You stupid people." "Change your ways while you still can." "Wake up, look in the mirror." "Hello, anyone home?" "You arrogant fool, God still loves you. Clean up your act, quick."
In Israel, the only acceptable ways of learning things beyond direct human perception were dreams, lots, and prophecy. High standards were maintained for those who claimed to prophecy.
Recognize that the time of the biblical prophets was in many ways very different from our own. Only the voice of authority had influence over the lives of people. Rational argument had little weight. Democratic ideals, of course, were unheard of.
Frequently, the personal actions of the prophets were strongly symbolic, designed to draw attention to a problem.
€ What are specific ways‹signs, "words", indications‹that assure us of following in God's path for us? What corrects us when we get off track?
€ How can one distinguish a true prophetic word from a false word?
€ Can you identify recent or contemporary persons who have acted as prophets?
€ Have you had experiences of receiving a direct or prophetic word from God?
€ If you were to receive such a word today, how would you convince your peers of its authenticity?