THE TENT

19. THE PROPHET’S PATTERN OF SPEECH - The prophets spoke in figurative types, symbols, shadows, parables, and literal language. In the delivery of his message we find him acting in the character of Statesman, Reformer, Preacher, Author, and with power and authority from the realms of the Supernatural. His inspiration was Divine, and the authority was given him by God Almighty. The source of his inspiration is represented to be the Spirit of God. The prophetic gift is by the Spirit coming upon the prophet, coming mightily upon him, being put upon him, or within him, being given, being poured out, and by visions and dreams.

20 THE NATURE OF HlS SPIRIT. - His prophecy must conform to the history of Israel. There are many spirits, but there is only one Holy Spirit. The Modes of Prophecy. A manner or a way of acting. Prophecy was given for instruction, and direction. Hebrews 1:1 - “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets”. Hebrews 1:2 “Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his son---.” Numbers 1:5, 9 - God spoke unto the prophets in visions and dreams, but unto Moses God spoke mouth to ear, face to face. Exodus 33:11. In times of trouble God gave the prophets the answer. 11 Kings 3~1 1, 12; II Kings 17:13; Nehemiah 9:30; Job 32:8; 1 Peter 1:1; II Peter 1:20, 21.

21. NEW TESTAMENT REFERENCE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS Hebrews 1:1; Matthew 13:35; Luke 1:70; Acts 3:21; James 5:10; II Peter 3:2. The authority of the prophets, over the people was derived from several sources: 1. Their own character, as Holy, self-denying, unselfish men. 2. Their message touched the conscience, which declared that the prophets were right. 3. The message was in accordance with the results of the past history. 4. The assurance on the part of the prophets that they were messengers of God, and were speaking the truth, gave power to their word. They spoke with authority. 5. Miracles wrought by God through the prophets, confirmed the word not only of the prophets who wrought them, but of the whole school of the prophets. 6. The fulfillment of their prophecies was a strong conformation of the inspired messages. Only God could reveal the future as the prophets foretold it. There is not one of their prophecies which was not fulfilled, or in the process of fulfillment.

22. SCHOOL OF THE PROPHETS - Samuel planned and set up an institution that has made a greater mark on the world than any thing else that came to us out of Israel,

Greece, or Rome. In his ripe and farseeing years, Samuel devised and founded and presided over a great Prophetical School. (1 Sam 19:20).