2 Chronicles 20:20

KJV ²⁰ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. CEV ²⁰ Early the next morning, as everyone got ready to leave for the desert near Tekoa, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, “Listen my friends, if we trust the Lord God and believe what these prophets have told us, the Lord will help us, and we will be successful.”

- Lesson

A GPS helps travellers know where they are, where they are going, and what dangers may lie ahead.

Similarly, God has provided guidance for His people through the ministry of prophets.

The Old Testament contains the messages and experiences of many prophets.

Some delivered warnings, while others taught God's truth through visions, poetry, songs, and historical accounts.

Their messages helped God's people understand His will and remain faithful to Him.

But prophets were not perfect people.

They experienced fear, anger, disappointment, and discouragement just as we do.

Their lives were often difficult, yet God continued working through them.

This week we will study several Old Testament prophets and learn how God guided His people through their ministries.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ezra carefully studied the writings of the Old Testament prophets.

He wanted to understand God's dealings with His people and learn how to obey His will.

His study strengthened his relationship with God and prepared him to help others.

The Old and New Testaments work together to reveal Jesus Christ.

The Old Testament points toward Him through its prophecies, laws, and sacrifices.

The New Testament reveals His life, death, resurrection, and continuing work for humanity.

Both Testaments help us understand God's plan of salvation.

- Conclusion

God provided prophets to guide, warn, and encourage His people.

Although they were imperfect human beings, their messages revealed His will.

Studying their experiences helps us understand God's character and follow His guidance.

- Reflection

Why did God provide prophets for His people?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is it important to study both the Old and New Testaments?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUNDAY – The Humanity of Prophets

- Lesson

God used Elijah to accomplish an amazing miracle on Mount Carmel.

When Elijah prayed, God sent fire from heaven, proving that He was the true God – 1 Kings 18:38

KJV ³⁸ Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. CEV ³⁸ The Lord immediately sent fire, and it burned up the sacrifice, the wood, and the stones. It scorched the ground everywhere around the altar and dried up every drop of water in the ditch.
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Yet shortly afterwards, Elijah became frightened and discouraged.

The Bible reminds us that Elijah was a human being with feelings and weaknesses like ours – James 5:17-18

KJV ¹⁷ Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. ¹⁸ And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. CEV ¹⁷ Elijah was just as human as we are, and for three and a half years his prayers kept the rain from falling. ¹⁸ But when he did pray for rain, it fell from the skies and made the crops grow.
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Read 1 Kings 19:1-16

KJV ¹ And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. ² Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. ³ And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. ⁴ But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. ⁵ And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. ⁶ And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. ⁷ And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. ⁸ And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. ⁹ And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? ¹⁰ And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. ¹¹ And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: ¹² And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. ¹³ And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? ¹⁴ And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. ¹⁵ And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: ¹⁶ And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. CEV ¹ Ahab told his wife Jezebel what Elijah had done and that he had killed the prophets. ² She sent a message to Elijah: “You killed my prophets. Now I'm going to kill you! I pray that the gods will punish me even more severely if I don't do it by this time tomorrow.” ³ Elijah was afraid when he got her message, and he ran to the town of Beersheba in Judah. He left his servant there, ⁴ then walked another whole day into the desert. Finally, he came to a large bush and sat down in its shade. He begged the Lord, “I've had enough. Just let me die! I'm no better off than my ancestors.” ⁵ Then he lay down in the shade and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel woke him up and said, “Get up and eat.” ⁶ Elijah looked around, and by his head was a jar of water and some baked bread. He sat up, ate and drank, then lay down and went back to sleep. ⁷ Soon the Lord's angel woke him again and said, “Get up and eat, or else you'll get too tired to travel.” ⁸ So Elijah sat up and ate and drank. The food and water made him strong enough to walk 40 more days. At last, he reached Mount Sinai, the mountain of God, ⁹ and he spent the night there in a cave. While Elijah was on Mount Sinai, the Lord asked, “Elijah, why are you here?” ¹⁰ He answered, “Lord God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me!” ¹¹ “Go out and stand on the mountain,” the Lord replied. “I want you to be there when I pass by.” All at once, a strong wind shook the mountain and shattered the rocks. But the Lord was not in the wind. Next, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. ¹² Then there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. Finally, there was a gentle breeze, ¹³ and when Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his coat. He went out and stood at the entrance to the cave. A voice asked, “Elijah, why are you here?” ¹⁴ Elijah answered, “Lord God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me!” ¹⁵ The Lord said: Elijah, you can go back to the desert near Damascus. And when you get there, appoint Hazael to be king of Syria. ¹⁶ Then appoint Jehu son of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat to take your place as my prophet.

1. Elijah Runs Away – 1 Kings 19:1-3

KJV ¹ And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. ² Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. ³ And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. CEV ¹ Ahab told his wife Jezebel what Elijah had done and that he had killed the prophets. ² She sent a message to Elijah: “You killed my prophets. Now I'm going to kill you! I pray that the gods will punish me even more severely if I don't do it by this time tomorrow.” ³ Elijah was afraid when he got her message, and he ran to the town of Beersheba in Judah. He left his servant there,

After Jezebel threatens his life, Elijah becomes afraid and flees into the wilderness.

2. Elijah Feels Defeated – 1 Kings 19:4

KJV ⁴ But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. CEV ⁴ then walked another whole day into the desert. Finally, he came to a large bush and sat down in its shade. He begged the Lord, “I've had enough. Just let me die! I'm no better off than my ancestors.”

Discouraged and exhausted, Elijah asks God to take his life.

3. God Cares for Elijah – 1 Kings 19:5-8

KJV ⁵ And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. ⁶ And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. ⁷ And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. ⁸ And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. CEV ⁵ Then he lay down in the shade and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel woke him up and said, “Get up and eat.” ⁶ Elijah looked around, and by his head was a jar of water and some baked bread. He sat up, ate and drank, then lay down and went back to sleep. ⁷ Soon the Lord's angel woke him again and said, “Get up and eat, or else you'll get too tired to travel.” ⁸ So Elijah sat up and ate and drank. The food and water made him strong enough to walk 40 more days. At last, he reached Mount Sinai, the mountain of God,

God provides food, water, and rest to strengthen His weary servant.

4. God Speaks to Elijah – 1 Kings 19:9-14

KJV ⁹ And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? ¹⁰ And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. ¹¹ And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: ¹² And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. ¹³ And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? ¹⁴ And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. CEV ⁹ and he spent the night there in a cave. While Elijah was on Mount Sinai, the Lord asked, “Elijah, why are you here?” ¹⁰ He answered, “Lord God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me!” ¹¹ “Go out and stand on the mountain,” the Lord replied. “I want you to be there when I pass by.” All at once, a strong wind shook the mountain and shattered the rocks. But the Lord was not in the wind. Next, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. ¹² Then there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. Finally, there was a gentle breeze, ¹³ and when Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his coat. He went out and stood at the entrance to the cave. A voice asked, “Elijah, why are you here?” ¹⁴ Elijah answered, “Lord God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me!”

Elijah tells God about his discouragement. God reveals His presence through a gentle voice.

5. God Gives Elijah a New Mission – 1 Kings 19:15-16

KJV ¹⁵ And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: ¹⁶ And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. CEV ¹⁵ The Lord said: Elijah, you can go back to the desert near Damascus. And when you get there, appoint Hazael to be king of Syria. ¹⁶ Then appoint Jehu son of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat to take your place as my prophet.

God sends Elijah back to continue his work and prepare others for leadership.

Elijah felt that his ministry had failed.

Despite the victory on Mount Carmel, many Israelites continued worshipping false gods.

He believed he was the only faithful person left.

But God had not abandoned him.

Elijah's experience reminds us that even faithful believers can become discouraged.

Our weaknesses do not prevent God from loving us or continuing His work through us.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Even after his great victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah experienced fear and discouragement.

He temporarily lost sight of God's power and care.

Yet God continued loving him.

Ellen White reminds us that everyone experiences difficult times when hope seems far away.

During these moments, we need faith, prayer, and meaningful work.

God understands our struggles and provides the strength we need.

Just as He cared for Elijah in the wilderness, He continues caring for His children today.

- Conclusion

Elijah was a powerful prophet, but he was also an ordinary human being.

He experienced fear, exhaustion, and discouragement.

God did not reject him because of his weakness.

Instead, He cared for Elijah, strengthened him, and gave him another mission.

- Reflection

What does Elijah's experience teach us about God's prophets?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How did God respond when Elijah became discouraged?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MONDAY – Identifying True Prophets

- Lesson

Throughout Israel's history, false prophets sometimes claimed to speak for God.

God warned His people about such prophets and provided guidance to help them recognise His true messengers – Deuteronomy 18:20

KJV ²⁰ But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. CEV ²⁰ But if I haven't spoken, and a prophet claims to have a message from me, you must kill that prophet, and you must also kill any prophet who claims to have a message from another god.
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True prophets faithfully delivered God's messages, even when those messages were unpopular.

The experience of Micaiah provides an important example.

Read 1 Kings 22:1-14

KJV ¹ And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel. ² And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. ³ And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria? ⁴ And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramothgilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses. ⁵ And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord to day. ⁶ Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king. ⁷ And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him? ⁸ And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. ⁹ Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah. ¹⁰ And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah sat each on his throne, having put on their robes, in a void place in the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. ¹¹ And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the Lord, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them. ¹² And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramothgilead, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the king's hand. ¹³ And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good. ¹⁴ And Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak. CEV (2 Chronicles 18.
2-27) ¹ For the next three years there was peace between Israel and Syria. ² During the third year King Jehoshaphat of Judah went to visit King Ahab of Israel. ³ Ahab asked his officials, “Why haven't we tried to get Ramoth in Gilead back from the Syrians? It belongs to us.” ⁴ Then he asked Jehoshaphat, “Would you go to Ramoth with me and attack the Syrians?” “Just tell me what to do,” Jehoshaphat answered. “My army and horses are at your command. ⁵ But first, let's ask the Lord.” ⁶ Ahab sent for about 400 prophets and asked, “Should I attack the Syrians at Ramoth?” “Yes!” the prophets answered. “The Lord will help you defeat them.” ⁷ But Jehoshaphat said, “Just to make sure, is there another of the Lord's prophets we can ask?” ⁸ “We could ask Micaiah son of Imlah,” Ahab said. “But I hate Micaiah. He always has bad news for me.” “Don't say that!” Jehoshaphat replied. ⁹ Then Ahab sent someone to bring Micaiah as soon as possible. ¹⁰ All this time, Ahab and Jehoshaphat were dressed in their royal robes and were seated on their thrones at the threshing place near the gate of Samaria. They were listening to the prophets tell them what the Lord had said. ¹¹ Zedekiah son of Chenaanah was one of the prophets. He had made some horns out of iron and shouted, “Ahab, the Lord says you will attack the Syrians like a bull with iron horns and wipe them out!” ¹² All the prophets agreed that Ahab should attack the Syrians at Ramoth, and they promised that the Lord would help him defeat them. ¹³ Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get Micaiah whispered, “Micaiah, all the prophets have good news for Ahab. Now go and say the same thing.” ¹⁴ “I'll say whatever the living Lord tells me to say,” Micaiah replied.

1. Ahab Plans for War – 1 Kings 22:1-4

KJV ¹ And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel. ² And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. ³ And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria? ⁴ And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramothgilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses. CEV (2 Chronicles 18.
2-27) ¹ For the next three years there was peace between Israel and Syria. ² During the third year King Jehoshaphat of Judah went to visit King Ahab of Israel. ³ Ahab asked his officials, “Why haven't we tried to get Ramoth in Gilead back from the Syrians? It belongs to us.” ⁴ Then he asked Jehoshaphat, “Would you go to Ramoth with me and attack the Syrians?” “Just tell me what to do,” Jehoshaphat answered. “My army and horses are at your command.

King Ahab asks King Jehoshaphat to join him in battle against Syria.

2. Four Hundred Prophets Agree – 1 Kings 22:5-6

KJV ⁵ And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord to day. ⁶ Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king. CEV ⁵ But first, let's ask the Lord.” ⁶ Ahab sent for about 400 prophets and asked, “Should I attack the Syrians at Ramoth?” “Yes!” the prophets answered. “The Lord will help you defeat them.”

Ahab gathers about four hundred prophets who encourage him to go into battle.

3. Jehoshaphat Requests Another Prophet – 1 Kings 22:7-9

KJV ⁷ And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him? ⁸ And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. ⁹ Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah. CEV ⁷ But Jehoshaphat said, “Just to make sure, is there another of the Lord's prophets we can ask?” ⁸ “We could ask Micaiah son of Imlah,” Ahab said. “But I hate Micaiah. He always has bad news for me.” “Don't say that!” Jehoshaphat replied. ⁹ Then Ahab sent someone to bring Micaiah as soon as possible.

Jehoshaphat asks whether another prophet of the Lord can be consulted. Ahab mentions Micaiah, whom he dislikes because his messages are unfavourable.

4. The Prophets Encourage Ahab – 1 Kings 22:10-12

KJV ¹⁰ And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah sat each on his throne, having put on their robes, in a void place in the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. ¹¹ And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the Lord, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them. ¹² And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramothgilead, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the king's hand. CEV ¹⁰ All this time, Ahab and Jehoshaphat were dressed in their royal robes and were seated on their thrones at the threshing place near the gate of Samaria. They were listening to the prophets tell them what the Lord had said. ¹¹ Zedekiah son of Chenaanah was one of the prophets. He had made some horns out of iron and shouted, “Ahab, the Lord says you will attack the Syrians like a bull with iron horns and wipe them out!” ¹² All the prophets agreed that Ahab should attack the Syrians at Ramoth, and they promised that the Lord would help him defeat them.

The prophets continue promising victory while the kings listen.

5. Micaiah Refuses to Compromise – 1 Kings 22:13-14

KJV ¹³ And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good. ¹⁴ And Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak. CEV ¹³ Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get Micaiah whispered, “Micaiah, all the prophets have good news for Ahab. Now go and say the same thing.” ¹⁴ “I'll say whatever the living Lord tells me to say,” Micaiah replied.

A messenger pressures Micaiah to agree with the other prophets, but he promises to speak only what God tells him.

Micaiah demonstrated the courage expected of a true prophet.

He refused to change God's message simply to please the king.

True prophets must remain faithful to God's Word, regardless of pressure or opposition.

The prophet Samuel was also recognised as an honourable man of God – 1 Samuel 9:3-14

KJV ³ And the asses of Kish Saul's father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses. ⁴ And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not. ⁵ And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us. ⁶ And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go. ⁷ Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we? ⁸ And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way. ⁹ (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.) ¹⁰ Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was. ¹¹ And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here? ¹² And they answered them, and said, He is; behold, he is before you: make haste now, for he came to day to the city; for there is a sacrifice of the people to day in the high place: ¹³ As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him. ¹⁴ And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place. CEV ³ Kish owned some donkeys, but they had run off. So he told Saul, “Take one of the servants and go look for the donkeys.” ⁴ Saul and the servant went through the hill country of Ephraim and the territory of Shalishah, but they could not find the donkeys. Then they went through the territories of Shaalim and Benjamin, but still there was no sign of the donkeys. ⁵ Finally they came to the territory where the clan of Zuph lived. “Let's go back home,” Saul told his servant. “If we don't go back soon, my father will stop worrying about the donkeys and start worrying about us!” ⁶ “Wait!” the servant answered. “There's a man of God who lives in a town near here. He's amazing! Everything he says comes true. Let's talk to him. Maybe he can tell us where to look.” ⁷ Saul said, “How can we talk to the prophet when I don't have anything to give him? We don't even have any bread left in our sacks. What can we give him?” ⁸ “I have a small piece of silver,” the servant answered. “We can give him that, and then he will tell us where to look for the donkeys.” ^9-10 “Great!” Saul replied. “Let's go to the man who can see visions!” He said this because in those days God would answer questions by giving visions to prophets. Saul and his servant went to the town where the prophet lived. ¹¹ As they were going up the hill to the town, they met some young women coming out to get water, and the two men said to them, “We're looking for the man who can see visions. Is he in town?” ¹² “Yes, he is,” they replied. “He's in town today because there's going to be a sacrifice and a sacred meal at the place of worship. In fact, he's just ahead of you. Hurry ¹³ and you should find him right inside the town gate. He's on his way out to the place of worship to eat with the invited guests. They can't start eating until he blesses the sacrifice. If you go now, you should find him.” ¹⁴ They went to the town, and just as they were going through the gate, Samuel was coming out on his way to the place of worship.
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His reputation showed that God's messengers should reflect His character through their lives.

However, even genuine prophets were imperfect human beings who needed God's grace.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

God's servants should not depend on powerful or influential people for their success.

Their strength must come from God.

Elisha demonstrated this attitude through his willingness to serve Elijah faithfully.

He did not seek fame or worldly honour.

Instead, he performed both small and important duties with humility.

When Elijah asked what he desired, Elisha requested a double portion of his spirit – 2 Kings 2:9

KJV ⁹ And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. CEV ⁹ After they had reached the other side, Elijah said, “Elisha, the Lord will soon take me away. What can I do for you before that happens?”Elisha answered, “Please give me twice as much of your power as you give the other prophets, so I can be the one who takes your place as their leader.”
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Elisha understood that only God's power could prepare him for his prophetic responsibilities.

- Conclusion

True prophets faithfully deliver God's messages, even when others disagree.

Micaiah refused to compromise, while Samuel and Elisha demonstrated honourable and humble service.

God's messengers must depend on Him rather than human approval.

- Reflection

What does Micaiah's experience teach us about true prophets?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is humility important for someone serving God?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUESDAY – Functions of Prophets

- Lesson

God's prophets had many responsibilities.

They did not simply predict future events.

They also guided leaders, corrected wrongdoing, taught God's Word, and encouraged His people to remain faithful.

1. Advising Kings

When Israel demanded a king like the surrounding nations, Samuel warned them about the consequences – 1 Samuel 8:4-22

KJV ⁴ Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, ⁵ And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. ⁶ But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. ⁷ And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. ⁸ According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. ⁹ Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. ¹⁰ And Samuel told all the words of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a king. ¹¹ And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. ¹² And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. ¹³ And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. ¹⁴ And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. ¹⁵ And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. ¹⁶ And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. ¹⁷ He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. ¹⁸ And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear you in that day. ¹⁹ Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; ²⁰ That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. ²¹ And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the Lord. ²² And the Lord said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city. CEV ⁴ One day the nation's leaders came to Samuel at Ramah ⁵ and said, “You are an old man. You set a good example for your sons, but they haven't followed it. Now we want a king to be our leader, just like all the other nations. Choose one for us!” ⁶ Samuel was upset to hear the leaders say they wanted a king, so he prayed about it. ⁷ The Lord answered: Samuel, do everything they want you to do. I am really the one they have rejected as their king. ⁸ Ever since the day I rescued my people from Egypt, they have turned from me to worship idols. Now they are turning away from you. ⁹ Do everything they ask, but warn them and tell them how a king will treat them. ¹⁰ Samuel told the people who were asking for a king what the Lord had said: ¹¹ If you have a king, this is how he will treat you. He will force your sons to join his army. Some of them will ride in his chariots, some will serve in the cavalry, and others will run ahead of his own chariot. ¹² Some of them will be officers in charge of 1,000 soldiers, and others will be in charge of 50. Still others will have to farm the king's land and harvest his crops, or make weapons and parts for his chariots. ¹³ Your daughters will have to make perfume or do his cooking and baking. ¹⁴ The king will take your best fields, as well as your vineyards, and olive orchards and give them to his own officials. ¹⁵ He will also take a tenth of your grain and grapes and give it to his officers and officials. ¹⁶ The king will take your slaves and your best young men and your donkeys and make them do his work. ¹⁷ He will also take a tenth of your sheep and goats. You will become the king's slaves, ¹⁸ and you will finally cry out for the Lord to save you from the king you wanted. But the Lord won't answer your prayers. ^19-20 The people would not listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want to be like other nations. We want a king to rule us and lead us in battle.” ²¹ Samuel listened to them and then told the Lord exactly what they had said. ²² “Do what they want,” the Lord answered. “Give them a king.” Samuel told the people to go back to their homes.
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The people ignored his warning, and Samuel eventually anointed Saul as Israel's first king.

Prophets continued advising and correcting kings throughout Israel's history.

Some kings accepted God's messages, while others rejected them and persecuted His prophets.

2. Guiding Priests

Prophets also communicated God's instructions to religious leaders.

Moses anointed Aaron and his sons as Israel's first priests – Leviticus 8:10-13

KJV ¹⁰ And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein, and sanctified them. ¹¹ And he sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all his vessels, both the laver and his foot, to sanctify them. ¹² And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him. ¹³ And Moses brought Aaron's sons, and put coats upon them, and girded them with girdles, and put bonnets upon them; as the Lord commanded Moses. CEV ¹⁰ Moses then dedicated the sacred tent and everything in it to the Lord by sprinkling them with some of the oil for ordination. ¹¹ He sprinkled the bronze altar seven times, and he sprinkled its equipment, as well as the large bronze bowl and its base. ¹² He also poured some of the oil on Aaron's head to dedicate him to the Lord. ¹³ Next, Moses dressed Aaron's sons in their shirts, then tied sashes around them and put special caps on them, just as the Lord had commanded.
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Other prophets warned priests when they became corrupt or neglected their responsibilities.

For example, God sent a message of judgment against Eli's household because of serious wrongdoing – 1 Samuel 2:27-36

KJV ²⁷ And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house? ²⁸ And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel? ²⁹ Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people? ³⁰ Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. ³¹ Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house. ³² And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever. ³³ And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age. ³⁴ And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them. ³⁵ And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever. ³⁶ And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread. CEV ²⁷ One day a prophet came to Eli and gave him this message from the Lord: When your ancestors were slaves of the king of Egypt, I came and showed them who I am. ^28-29 Out of all the tribes of Israel, I chose your family to be my priests. I wanted them to offer sacrifices and burn incense to me and to find out from me what I want my people to do. I commanded everyone to bring their sacrifices here where I live, and I allowed you and your family to keep those that were not offered to me on the altar. But you honor your sons instead of me! You don't respect the sacrifices and offerings that are brought to me, and you've all grown fat from eating the best parts. ³⁰ I am the Lord, the God of Israel. I promised to always let your family serve me as priests, but now I tell you that I cannot do this any longer! I honor anyone who honors me, but I put a curse on anyone who hates me. ³¹ The time will come when I will kill you and everyone else in your family. Not one of you will live to an old age. ³² Your family will have a lot of trouble. I will be kind to Israel, but everyone in your family will die young. ³³ If I let anyone from your family be a priest, his life will be full of sadness and sorrow. But most of the men in your family will die a violent death! ³⁴ To prove to you that I will do these things, your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, will die on the same day. ³⁵ I have chosen someone else to be my priest, someone who will be faithful and obey me. I will always let his family serve as priests and help my chosen king. ³⁶ But if anyone is left from your family, he will come to my priest and beg for money or a little bread. He may even say to my priest, “Please let me be a priest, so I will at least have something to eat.”
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3. Teaching God's People

Prophets explained God's law and encouraged people to live according to His will.

They called the nation to repentance and helped restore true worship.

Their messages reminded people that obedience to God was more important than following the practices of surrounding nations.

4. Delivering Messages to Other Nations

God's prophets also spoke to nations beyond Israel.

They revealed God's plans, warned against wickedness, and pointed people toward His salvation – Isaiah 60:1-3

KJV ¹ Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. ² For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. ³ And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. CEV ¹ Jerusalem, stand up! Shine! Your new day is dawning. The glory of the Lord shines brightly on you. ² The earth and its people are covered with darkness, but the glory of the Lord is shining upon you. ³ Nations and kings will come to the light of your dawning day.
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5. Preserving God's Messages

Some prophets were instructed to write down their messages.

These writings preserved God's teachings and warnings for future generations – 2 Chronicles 13:22

KJV ²² And the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways, and his sayings, are written in the story of the prophet Iddo. CEV ²² Everything Abijah said and did while he was king is written in the records of Iddo the prophet.
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Although prophets had different responsibilities, they were expected to be people of prayer, Scripture, and faithful service.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Elijah once believed he was the only person in Israel who remained faithful.

But God revealed that many others still worshipped Him.

Even during widespread apostasy, God preserves faithful people.

Ellen White also describes how Nathan courageously confronted King David about his sin.

Nathan delivered God's message with wisdom, helping David recognise his wrongdoing.

David's repentance shows how prophetic correction can lead sinners back to God.

The purpose of God's messages is not merely to condemn wrongdoing but to bring people to repentance and restoration.

- Conclusion

God called prophets to guide kings, correct priests, teach His people, warn other nations, and preserve His messages.

Their work helped people understand God's will and return to faithful obedience.

Prophets were servants of God, called to speak His truth with courage and wisdom.

- Reflection

What were some important responsibilities of Old Testament prophets?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What can we learn from Nathan's confrontation with King David?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WEDNESDAY – Women Prophets

- Lesson

Throughout Bible history, God called both men and women to serve as prophets.

Several women received messages from God and played important roles in guiding His people.

1. Miriam – A Prophetess of Praise

Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, was called a prophetess.

After God delivered Israel through the Red Sea, she led the women in singing and praising Him – Exodus 15:20-21

KJV ²⁰ And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. ²¹ And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. CEV ²⁰ Miriam the sister of Aaron was a prophet. So she took her tambourine and led the other women out to play their tambourines and to dance. ²¹ Then she sang to them: “Sing praises to the Lord for his great victory! He has thrown the horses and their riders into the sea.”
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However, Miriam was not perfect.

She later criticised Moses and was punished for her rebellion – Numbers 12:1-10

KJV ¹ And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. ² And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it. ³ (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) ⁴ And the Lord spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. ⁵ And the Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. ⁶ And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. ⁷ My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. ⁸ With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? ⁹ And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed. ¹⁰ And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. CEV ¹ ^1-3 Although Moses was the most humble person in all the world, Miriam and Aaron started complaining, “Moses had no right to marry that woman from Ethiopia! Who does he think he is? The Lord has spoken to us, not just to him.” The Lord heard their complaint ⁴ and told Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to come to the entrance of the sacred tent. ⁵ There the Lord appeared in a cloud and told Aaron and Miriam to come closer. ⁶ Then after commanding them to listen carefully, he said: “I, the Lord, speak to prophets in visions and dreams. ⁷ But my servant Moses is the leader of my people. ⁸ He sees me face to face, and everything I say to him is perfectly clear. You have no right to criticize my servant Moses.” ⁹ The Lord became angry with Aaron and Miriam. And after the Lord left ¹⁰ and the cloud disappeared from over the sacred tent, Miriam's skin turned white with leprosy. When Aaron saw what had happened to her,
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Her experience reminds us that even God's messengers need humility and obedience.

2. Deborah – A Prophetess and Judge

Deborah served as both a prophetess and a judge in Israel – Judges 4:4

KJV ⁴ And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. CEV ⁴ Deborah the wife of Lappidoth was a prophet and a leader of Israel during those days.
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God used her to guide the nation during a difficult time.

She encouraged Barak to lead Israel against its enemies and communicated God's instructions to him – Judges 4:6-9

KJV ⁶ And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun? ⁷ And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand. ⁸ And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go. ⁹ And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh. CEV ⁶ One day, Barak the son of Abinoam was in Kedesh in Naphtali, and Deborah sent word for him to come and talk with her. When he arrived, she said: I have a message for you from the Lord God of Israel! You are to get together an army of 10,000 men from the Naphtali and Zebulun tribes and lead them to Mount Tabor. ⁷ The Lord will trick Sisera into coming out to fight you at the Kishon River. Sisera will be leading King Jabin's army as usual, and they will have their chariots, but the Lord has promised to help you defeat them. ⁸ “I'm not going unless you go!” Barak told her. ⁹ “All right, I'll go!” she replied. “But I'm warning you that the Lord is going to let a woman defeat Sisera, and no one will honor you for winning the battle.” Deborah and Barak left for Kedesh,
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After Israel's victory, Deborah praised God through a song celebrating His deliverance – Judg. 5

KJV ¹ Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, ² Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves. ³ Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel. ⁴ Lord, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water. ⁵ The mountains melted from before the Lord, even that Sinai from before the Lord God of Israel. ⁶ In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways. ⁷ The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel. ⁸ They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel? ⁹ My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the Lord. ¹⁰ Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way. ¹¹ They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the Lord, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the Lord go down to the gates. ¹² Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam. ¹³ Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the people: the Lord made me have dominion over the mighty. ¹⁴ Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after thee, Benjamin, among thy people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer. ¹⁵ And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart. ¹⁶ Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. ¹⁷ Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches. ¹⁸ Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field. ¹⁹ The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money. ²⁰ They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera. ²¹ The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength. ²² Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones. ²³ Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. ²⁴ Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent. ²⁵ He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish. ²⁶ She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen's hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when she had pierced and stricken through his temples. ²⁷ At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he fell: where he bowed, there he fell down dead. ²⁸ The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots? ²⁹ Her wise ladies answered her, yea, she returned answer to herself, ³⁰ Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil? ³¹ So let all thine enemies perish, O Lord: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years. CEV ¹ After the battle was over that day, Deborah and Barak sang this song: ² We praise you, Lord! Our soldiers volunteered, ready to follow you. ³ Listen, kings and rulers, while I sing for the Lord, the God of Israel. ⁴ Our Lord, God of Israel, when you came from Seir, where the Edomites live, ⁵ rain poured from the sky, the earth trembled, and mountains shook. ⁶ In the time of Shamgar son of Anath, and now again in Jael's time, roads were too dangerous for caravans. Travelers had to take the back roads, ⁷ and villagers couldn't work in their fields. Then Deborah took command, protecting Israel as a mother protects her children. ⁸ The Israelites worshiped other gods, and the gates of their towns were then attacked. But they had no shields or spears to fight with. ⁹ I praise you, Lord, and I am grateful for those leaders and soldiers who volunteered. ¹⁰ Listen, everyone! Whether you ride a donkey with a padded saddle or have to walk. ¹¹ Even those who carry water to the animals will tell you, “The Lord has won victories, and so has Israel.” Then the Lord's people marched down to the town gates ¹² and said, “Deborah, let's go! Let's sing as we march. Barak, capture our enemies.” ¹³ The Lord's people who were left joined with their leaders and fought at my side. ¹⁴ Troops came from Ephraim, where Amalekites once lived. Others came from Benjamin; officers and leaders came from Machir and Zebulun. ¹⁵ The rulers of Issachar came along with Deborah, and Issachar followed Barak into the valley. But the tribe of Reuben was no help at all! ¹⁶ Reuben, why did you stay among your sheep pens? Was it to listen to shepherds whistling for their sheep? No one could figure out why Reuben wouldn't come. ¹⁷ The people of Gilead stayed across the Jordan. Why did the tribe of Dan remain on their ships and the tribe of Asher stay along the coast near the harbors? ¹⁸ But soldiers of Zebulun and Naphtali risked their lives to attack the enemy. ¹⁹ Canaanite kings fought us at Taanach by the stream near Megiddo — but they couldn't rob us of our silver. ²⁰ From their pathways in the sky the stars fought Sisera, ²¹ and his soldiers were swept away by the ancient Kishon River. I will march on and be brave. ²² Sisera's horses galloped off, their hoofs thundering in retreat. ²³ The Lord's angel said, “Put a curse on Meroz Town! Its people refused to help the Lord fight his powerful enemies.” ²⁴ But honor Jael, the wife of Heber from the Kenite clan. Give more honor to her than to any other woman who lives in tents. Yes, give more honor to her than to any other woman. ²⁵ Sisera asked for water, but Jael gave him milk — cream in a fancy cup. ²⁶ She reached for a tent-peg and held a hammer in her right hand. And with a blow to the head, she crushed his skull. ²⁷ Sisera sank to his knees and fell dead at her feet. ²⁸ Sisera's mother looked out through her window. “Why is he taking so long?” she asked. “Why haven't we heard his chariots coming?” ²⁹ She and her wisest women gave the same answer: ³⁰ “Sisera and his troops are finding treasures to bring back — a woman, or maybe two, for each man, and beautiful dresses for those women to wear.” ³¹ Our Lord, we pray that all your enemies will die like Sisera. But let everyone who loves you shine brightly like the sun at dawn. There was peace in Israel for about 40 years.
Footnotes:
5.
7 villagers … fields: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
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7 Deborah: Or “I, Deborah.” 5.
8 The Israelites … attacked: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
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11 Even … water: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
5.
13 side: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 13.
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15 But … at all: Or “But the people of Reuben couldn't make up their minds.” 5.
16 sheep pens: Or “campfires.” 5.
16 No … come: Or “The people of Reuben couldn't make up their minds.” 5.
18 to attack the enemy: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
5.
19 stream near Megiddo: Probably refers to one of the streams that flow into the Kishon River.
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19 rob us of our silver: The army that won a battle would take everything of value from the dead enemy soldiers.
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20 stars: In ancient times, the stars were sometimes regarded as supernatural beings.
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30 and beautiful … wear: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text. Cross references5.
5 : Ex 19.
18.
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3. Huldah – A Prophetess Who Guided a King

During King Josiah's reign, the Book of the Law was discovered in the Temple.

When Josiah heard its words, he realised how far Judah had departed from God's commandments – 2 Kings 22:8-11

KJV ⁸ And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. ⁹ And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the Lord. ¹⁰ And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. ¹¹ And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. CEV ⁸ While Shaphan was at the temple, Hilkiah handed him a book and said, “Look what I found here in the temple — The Book of God's Law .” Shaphan read it, ⁹ then went back to Josiah and reported, “Your officials collected the money in the temple and gave it to the men supervising the repairs. ¹⁰ But there's something else, Your Majesty. The priest Hilkiah gave me this book.” Then Shaphan read it out loud. ¹¹ When Josiah heard what was in The Book of God's Law , he tore his clothes in sorrow.
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The king sent his officials to consult Huldah, a prophetess in Jerusalem – 2 Kings 22:12-14

KJV ¹² And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying, ¹³ Go ye, enquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us. ¹⁴ So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college; ) and they communed with her. CEV ¹² At once he called together Hilkiah, Shaphan, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, and his own servant Asaiah. He said, ¹³ “The Lord must be furious with me and everyone else in Judah, because our ancestors did not obey the laws written in this book. Go find out what the Lord wants us to do.” ¹⁴ The five men left at once and went to talk with Huldah the prophet. Her husband was Shallum, who was in charge of the king's clothes. Huldah lived in the northern part of Jerusalem, and when they met in her home,
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Huldah faithfully delivered God's warning about Judah's coming judgment.

Her message helped guide Josiah's efforts to restore true worship and obedience to God's law.

4. Other Women Prophets

The Bible also mentions other women who received the prophetic gift, including Anna in the New Testament – Luke 2:36

KJV ³⁶ And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; CEV ³⁶ The prophet Anna was also there in the temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. In her youth she had been married for seven years, but her husband died.
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These examples show that God gives the prophetic gift to both men and women.

What matters is faithfulness to His calling.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

The Bible's prophets and apostles never claimed to be without sin.

Even those who lived close to God recognised their need for His forgiveness and righteousness.

The closer we come to Jesus, the more clearly we recognise our weaknesses and need for His grace.

Ellen White also describes how King Josiah respected the prophetess Huldah.

When the Book of the Law was discovered, Josiah recognised the seriousness of Judah's sins.

He sent important officials to seek God's guidance through Huldah.

Her ministry demonstrates that God entrusted women with important prophetic responsibilities.

- Conclusion

God called women such as Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah to communicate His messages.

They helped guide, encourage, and correct His people.

Their experiences remind us that God can use both men and women in His service, even though all remain dependent on His grace.

- Reflection

What do the experiences of Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah teach us about the prophetic gift?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is Huldah's role during King Josiah's reign important?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THURSDAY – False Prophets

- Lesson

Throughout Israel's history, false prophets claimed to deliver messages from God.

But their messages often came from their own ideas rather than divine revelation.

God warned His people about this danger.

Read Jeremiah 14:1-15

KJV ¹ The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah concerning the dearth. ² Judah mourneth, and the gates thereof languish; they are black unto the ground; and the cry of Jerusalem is gone up. ³ And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, and found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads. ⁴ Because the ground is chapt, for there was no rain in the earth, the plowmen were ashamed, they covered their heads. ⁵ Yea, the hind also calved in the field, and forsook it, because there was no grass. ⁶ And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because there was no grass. ⁷ O Lord, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee. ⁸ O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night? ⁹ Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou, O Lord, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not. ¹⁰ Thus saith the Lord unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the Lord doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins. ¹¹ Then said the Lord unto me, Pray not for this people for their good. ¹² When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence. ¹³ Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. ¹⁴ Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. ¹⁵ Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. CEV ¹ When there had been no rain for a long time, the Lord told me to say to the people: ² Judah and Jerusalem weep as the land dries up. ³ Rulers send their servants to the storage pits for water. But there's none to be found; they return in despair with their jars still empty. ⁴ There has been no rain, and farmers feel sick as they watch cracks appear in the dry ground. ⁵ A deer gives birth in a field, then abandons her newborn fawn and leaves in search of grass. ⁶ Wild donkeys go blind from starvation. So they stand on barren hilltops and sniff the air, hoping to smell green grass. ⁷ We rejected you and did evil, so we deserve to be punished. But if you rescue us, Lord, everyone will see how great you are. ⁸ You're our only hope; you alone can save us now. You help us one day, but you're gone the next. ⁹ Did this disaster take you by surprise? Are you a warrior with your hands tied? You have chosen us, and your temple is here. Don't abandon us! ¹⁰ My people, you love to wander away; you don't even try to stay close to me. So now I will reject you and punish you for your sins. I, the Lord, have spoken. ¹¹ The Lord said, “Jeremiah, don't ask me to help these people. ¹² They may even go without eating and offer sacrifices to please me and to give thanks. But when they cry out for my help, I won't listen, and I won't accept their sacrifices. Instead, I'll send war, starvation, and disease to wipe them out.” ¹³ I replied, “The other prophets keep telling everyone that you won't send starvation or war, and that you're going to give us peace.” ¹⁴ The Lord answered: They claim to speak for me, but they're lying! I didn't even speak to them, much less choose them to be my prophets. Their messages come from worthless dreams, useless fortunetelling, and their own imaginations. ¹⁵ Those lying prophets say there will be peace and plenty of food. But I say that those same prophets will die from war and hunger.

1. Judah Faces Severe Drought – Jeremiah 14:1-6

KJV ¹ The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah concerning the dearth. ² Judah mourneth, and the gates thereof languish; they are black unto the ground; and the cry of Jerusalem is gone up. ³ And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, and found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads. ⁴ Because the ground is chapt, for there was no rain in the earth, the plowmen were ashamed, they covered their heads. ⁵ Yea, the hind also calved in the field, and forsook it, because there was no grass. ⁶ And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because there was no grass. CEV ¹ When there had been no rain for a long time, the Lord told me to say to the people: ² Judah and Jerusalem weep as the land dries up. ³ Rulers send their servants to the storage pits for water. But there's none to be found; they return in despair with their jars still empty. ⁴ There has been no rain, and farmers feel sick as they watch cracks appear in the dry ground. ⁵ A deer gives birth in a field, then abandons her newborn fawn and leaves in search of grass. ⁶ Wild donkeys go blind from starvation. So they stand on barren hilltops and sniff the air, hoping to smell green grass.

A terrible drought causes suffering throughout the land.

2. Jeremiah Appeals to God – Jeremiah 14:7-9

KJV ⁷ O Lord, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee. ⁸ O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night? ⁹ Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou, O Lord, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not. CEV ⁷ We rejected you and did evil, so we deserve to be punished. But if you rescue us, Lord, everyone will see how great you are. ⁸ You're our only hope; you alone can save us now. You help us one day, but you're gone the next. ⁹ Did this disaster take you by surprise? Are you a warrior with your hands tied? You have chosen us, and your temple is here. Don't abandon us!

Jeremiah acknowledges the people's sins and asks God not to abandon them.

3. God Announces Judgment – Jeremiah 14:10-12

KJV ¹⁰ Thus saith the Lord unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the Lord doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins. ¹¹ Then said the Lord unto me, Pray not for this people for their good. ¹² When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence. CEV ¹⁰ My people, you love to wander away; you don't even try to stay close to me. So now I will reject you and punish you for your sins. I, the Lord, have spoken. ¹¹ The Lord said, “Jeremiah, don't ask me to help these people. ¹² They may even go without eating and offer sacrifices to please me and to give thanks. But when they cry out for my help, I won't listen, and I won't accept their sacrifices. Instead, I'll send war, starvation, and disease to wipe them out.”

God warns that Judah's continued disobedience will bring suffering and judgment.

4. False Prophets Promise Peace – Jeremiah 14:13

KJV ¹³ Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. CEV ¹³ I replied, “The other prophets keep telling everyone that you won't send starvation or war, and that you're going to give us peace.”

False prophets tell the people they will not experience war or famine.

5. God Rejects Their Messages – Jeremiah 14:14-15

KJV ¹⁴ Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. ¹⁵ Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. CEV ¹⁴ The Lord answered: They claim to speak for me, but they're lying! I didn't even speak to them, much less choose them to be my prophets. Their messages come from worthless dreams, useless fortunetelling, and their own imaginations. ¹⁵ Those lying prophets say there will be peace and plenty of food. But I say that those same prophets will die from war and hunger.

God declares that He never sent these prophets and that their messages are lies.

The false prophets promised peace when God was warning of judgment.

They told people what they wanted to hear instead of calling them to repentance.

God warned that these messages came from human imagination and deception – Jeremiah 23:26

KJV ²⁶ How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; CEV ²⁶ But everything they say comes from their own twisted minds. How long can this go on?
; Ezekiel 13:2

KJV ² Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the Lord; CEV ² Ezekiel, son of man, condemn the prophets of Israel who say they speak in my name, but who preach messages that come from their own imagination. Tell them it's time to hear my message.
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This problem also appeared during King Ahab's reign.

Four hundred prophets encouraged Ahab to go into battle, but Micaiah refused to repeat their popular message.

He declared that he would speak only what God told him – 1 Kings 22:13-14

KJV ¹³ And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good. ¹⁴ And Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak. CEV ¹³ Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get Micaiah whispered, “Micaiah, all the prophets have good news for Ahab. Now go and say the same thing.” ¹⁴ “I'll say whatever the living Lord tells me to say,” Micaiah replied.
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False prophets often follow popular opinions to gain approval.

True prophets remain faithful to God's Word, even when the truth is unpopular.

We must therefore test every religious message against Scripture.

Popularity, impressive claims, and even supernatural signs are not enough to prove that someone speaks for God.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White warns that false prophets and religious deception will become increasingly common.

God's law provides an important test of whether someone is truly faithful to Him.

His people are called to honour His commandments, including the Sabbath.

False teachings often replace God's instructions with human traditions.

Satan will also use powerful deceptions to mislead people.

Our protection is to study Scripture carefully and remain firmly grounded in its teachings.

We should prayerfully search God's Word and ask the Holy Spirit to help us recognise truth.

- Conclusion

False prophets often tell people what they want to hear.

Their messages may be popular, but popularity does not make them true.

God calls us to examine every teaching carefully and remain faithful to His Word.

- Reflection

What made the prophets in Jeremiah's time false prophets?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we protect ourselves from false prophets and misleading teachings?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRIDAY – Not Perfect but Willing

- Lesson

Throughout the Bible, God's prophets experienced fear, discouragement, and personal struggles.

Ellen G. White faced similar challenges when God called her to prophetic ministry.

As we learned last week, she was only seventeen years old when she received her first vision in December 1844.

She was shy, physically weak, and uncertain about accepting such a great responsibility.

A second vision revealed that she would face opposition, suffering, and difficult experiences.

She was afraid and prayed that God would choose someone else.

But God continued calling her to share the messages she had received.

With prayer and encouragement from other believers, Ellen eventually accepted her calling.

She dedicated the remainder of her life to serving God.

Her ministry helped strengthen the growing Adventist movement.

She encouraged believers to remain faithful to Scripture and share the three angels' messages with the world – Revelation 14:6-12

KJV ⁶ And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, ⁷ Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. ⁸ And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. ⁹ And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, ¹⁰ The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: ¹¹ And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. ¹² Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. CEV ⁶ I saw another angel. This one was flying across the sky and had the eternal good news to announce to the people of every race, tribe, language, and nation on earth. ⁷ The angel shouted, “Worship and honor God! The time has come for him to judge everyone. Kneel down before the one who created heaven and earth, the oceans, and every stream.” ⁸ A second angel followed and said, “The great city of Babylon has fallen! This is the city that made all nations drunk and immoral. Now God is angry, and Babylon has fallen.” ⁹ Finally, a third angel came and shouted: Here is what will happen if you worship the beast and the idol and have the mark of the beast on your hand or forehead. ¹⁰ You will have to drink the wine that God gives to everyone who makes him angry. You will feel his mighty anger, and you will be tortured with fire and burning sulfur, while the holy angels and the Lamb look on. ¹¹ If you worship the beast and the idol and accept the mark of its name, you will be tortured day and night. The smoke from your torture will go up forever and ever, and you will never be able to rest. ¹² God's people must learn to endure. They must also obey his commands and have faith in Jesus.
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By 1860, she had played an important role in the development of the emerging Seventh-day Adventist movement.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church was formally organised in 1863.

Her ministry also influenced the development of Adventist schools, hospitals, and health ministries.

One of her most significant contributions was her extensive writing ministry.

She wrote approximately 100,000 pages, providing spiritual guidance and encouragement to believers around the world.

Although Ellen White faced personal weaknesses, family challenges, and difficulties throughout her life, God continued using her.

Her experience reminds us that God does not require perfect people before calling them to serve.

He seeks those who are willing to trust Him and obey His instructions.

Click here for Further Study 🔗.

- Conclusion

Ellen White initially feared accepting God's call because of her youth, poor health, and personal weaknesses.

But through prayer and encouragement, she chose to obey Him.

Her experience reminds us that God can accomplish great things through ordinary people who are willing to serve Him.

- Reflection

Why was Ellen White initially afraid to accept her prophetic calling?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What can we learn from Ellen White's decision to accept God's call?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Why is it encouraging to know that God's prophets experienced fear, discouragement, and personal weaknesses?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we recognise the difference between true and false prophets?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What lessons can we learn from the men and women God called to prophetic ministry?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

Old Testament Prophets

Throughout history, God has called prophets to guide, warn, teach, and encourage His people.

Although chosen for important responsibilities, these prophets were ordinary human beings who experienced weaknesses and difficulties.

The Humanity of Prophets

Elijah experienced fear and discouragement even after witnessing God's power on Mount Carmel.

God cared for him, strengthened him, and gave him another mission.

His experience reminds us that God does not abandon His faithful servants during difficult times – 1 Kings 19:1-16

KJV ¹ And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. ² Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. ³ And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. ⁴ But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. ⁵ And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. ⁶ And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. ⁷ And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. ⁸ And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. ⁹ And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? ¹⁰ And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. ¹¹ And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: ¹² And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. ¹³ And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? ¹⁴ And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. ¹⁵ And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: ¹⁶ And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. CEV ¹ Ahab told his wife Jezebel what Elijah had done and that he had killed the prophets. ² She sent a message to Elijah: “You killed my prophets. Now I'm going to kill you! I pray that the gods will punish me even more severely if I don't do it by this time tomorrow.” ³ Elijah was afraid when he got her message, and he ran to the town of Beersheba in Judah. He left his servant there, ⁴ then walked another whole day into the desert. Finally, he came to a large bush and sat down in its shade. He begged the Lord, “I've had enough. Just let me die! I'm no better off than my ancestors.” ⁵ Then he lay down in the shade and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel woke him up and said, “Get up and eat.” ⁶ Elijah looked around, and by his head was a jar of water and some baked bread. He sat up, ate and drank, then lay down and went back to sleep. ⁷ Soon the Lord's angel woke him again and said, “Get up and eat, or else you'll get too tired to travel.” ⁸ So Elijah sat up and ate and drank. The food and water made him strong enough to walk 40 more days. At last, he reached Mount Sinai, the mountain of God, ⁹ and he spent the night there in a cave. While Elijah was on Mount Sinai, the Lord asked, “Elijah, why are you here?” ¹⁰ He answered, “Lord God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me!” ¹¹ “Go out and stand on the mountain,” the Lord replied. “I want you to be there when I pass by.” All at once, a strong wind shook the mountain and shattered the rocks. But the Lord was not in the wind. Next, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. ¹² Then there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. Finally, there was a gentle breeze, ¹³ and when Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his coat. He went out and stood at the entrance to the cave. A voice asked, “Elijah, why are you here?” ¹⁴ Elijah answered, “Lord God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me!” ¹⁵ The Lord said: Elijah, you can go back to the desert near Damascus. And when you get there, appoint Hazael to be king of Syria. ¹⁶ Then appoint Jehu son of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat to take your place as my prophet.
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Identifying True Prophets

Micaiah refused to change God's message simply to please King Ahab.

True prophets faithfully communicate God's truth, even when their messages are unpopular – 1 Kings 22:13-14

KJV ¹³ And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good. ¹⁴ And Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak. CEV ¹³ Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get Micaiah whispered, “Micaiah, all the prophets have good news for Ahab. Now go and say the same thing.” ¹⁴ “I'll say whatever the living Lord tells me to say,” Micaiah replied.
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Functions of Prophets

Prophets had many responsibilities.

They guided kings, corrected priests, taught God's people, warned other nations, and preserved God's messages.

Their purpose was to lead people toward repentance, obedience, and faithfulness to God.

Women Prophets

God called women as well as men to prophetic ministry.

Miriam led Israel in praise, Deborah guided the nation, and Huldah delivered God's message during King Josiah's reforms – Exodus 15:20-21

KJV ²⁰ And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. ²¹ And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. CEV ²⁰ Miriam the sister of Aaron was a prophet. So she took her tambourine and led the other women out to play their tambourines and to dance. ²¹ Then she sang to them: “Sing praises to the Lord for his great victory! He has thrown the horses and their riders into the sea.”
; Judges 4:4

KJV ⁴ And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. CEV ⁴ Deborah the wife of Lappidoth was a prophet and a leader of Israel during those days.
; 2 Kings 22:14

KJV ¹⁴ So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college; ) and they communed with her. CEV ¹⁴ The five men left at once and went to talk with Huldah the prophet. Her husband was Shallum, who was in charge of the king's clothes. Huldah lived in the northern part of Jerusalem, and when they met in her home,
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False Prophets

False prophets often delivered messages based on their own ideas rather than God's instructions.

They sometimes promised peace when God was warning of judgment.

We must test every teaching against Scripture and remain faithful to God's Word – Jeremiah 14:14

KJV ¹⁴ Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. CEV ¹⁴ The Lord answered: They claim to speak for me, but they're lying! I didn't even speak to them, much less choose them to be my prophets. Their messages come from worthless dreams, useless fortunetelling, and their own imaginations.
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Not Perfect but Willing

Ellen White initially feared accepting her prophetic calling because of her youth, poor health, and personal weaknesses.

However, she eventually accepted God's call and devoted her life to serving Him.

Her experience reminds us that God can use imperfect people who are willing to obey Him.

The central message of this lesson is that God's work depends on His power rather than human perfection.

He calls us to trust His Word, remain faithful to His truth, and willingly serve Him.

"Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper." – 2 Chronicles 20:20

KJV ²⁰ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. CEV ²⁰ Early the next morning, as everyone got ready to leave for the desert near Tekoa, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, “Listen my friends, if we trust the Lord God and believe what these prophets have told us, the Lord will help us, and we will be successful.”
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