Pre-Literary Prophets and Seers

Prophets before Amos (circa 750 BCE) who did not write down their prophecies, or those writings haven't survived.

There was writing in prophetic circles during pre-Amos period, though no collections of prophecies survived.

Prophet from around 750 BCE, marking a transition from pre-literary to literary periods.

In Old Testament accounts, considered a prophet to his own people in early Hebrew history.

Historical figure who established the national religion and national consciousness among Hebrews.

Early Hebrew figure who is recognized as a prophetess.

Moses was the foundational figure in the development of Old Testament religion, establishing a religious framework that later prophets built upon.

Later prophets developed existing religious frameworks inherited from previous generations, not creating entirely new ideas.

Early prophets were more like ecstatic individuals engaging in rituals or music to enter a frenzy. Seers, on the other hand, received divine revelations through visions or auditory experiences.

Deborah, a prophet or prophetess in the post-Mosaic era, rallied the Israelites during a time of unrest, conflict with Canaanites and anarchy. The Israelites won through her actions and strategic call to arms.

Early texts suggest Samuel, initially known as a seer, performed roles later attributed to prophets during his lifetime. The role of seer evolved into the role of prophet throughout the period of development.

Samuel's prophetic activity occurred in the latter half of the eleventh century BCE, at the transition from the Judges to the monarchy periods.

Nathan, a significant prophet in the period of the united monarchy, delivered severe warnings to David, setting a precedent for prophecy's involvement in enforcing ethical standards.

Court prophets like Nathan were present at the royal courts of the period. These prophets consulted with and advised kings in theocratic affairs.

David, a king, valued the role of court prophets, seeking and responding to their messages from God—reflecting a strong theocratic awareness.

David organized and resourced the construction of the temple, defining roles for Levites.

David's decree assigned specific tasks to Levites: gatekeepers, musicians, prophets, treasurers, and temple officials.

Prophets existed in Israel and Judah (pre-Elijah) and delivered God's messages, impacting the kings and the nation.

Kings of Israel and Judah often disregarded or persecuted prophets, even imprisoning or killing them.

A prophet who announced Jeroboam I's secession and witnessed Israel's cultural and social changes.

Elijah, a prophet who ministered during Ahab's reign, challenged Baal worship and proclaimed God's judgments.

Elijah performed miracles, such as ending a drought and raising the widow's son.

Elijah's ministry emphasized God's law, justice, and the 'day of the Lord'—eshatological expectations.

Elisha, Elijah's successor, continued prophesying, focusing on God's grace and tenderness, demonstrated through many miracles.

Omri and Jehu Dynasties played significant roles, shaping the culture and prosperity of the Northern kingdom of Israel.