1. The starting point of the study of prophecy is history.
The historical circumstances of the time and context
determine if the prophecy
is didactic or predictive. All prophecy begins in a historical context. On
should determine the historical background of the prophet and his writings. For
example to understand Obadiah one must understand the history of Edom . Ramm
observes: “that although history is
necessary to understand the prophet, and that some historical event occasioned
the giving of the prophecy, prophecy is not to be limited to purely historical
considerations.”[1]
There is one main error in regard to the relation of
prophecy and history. Some say prophecy is a way to write history after the
fact. In other words the author writes history as prophecy. This is the liberal
or naturalistic view. This is a great error. In fact if that were true, prophecy would
contain more historical details than it actually contains. Prophecy never gives
full historical details of an event or prophecy.
2. Determine if the prophecy is predictive or didactic;
distinguish between forth-telling and foretelling. The word prophecy comes from
two Greek words meaning “to speak for or before.” Forth-telling is exhortation,
reproof, correction or instruction. The major job of the prophet was to tell
forth the truth of God. It spoke to the times. Foretelling is prediction of
future events, either immediate or distant. Tan says “that every fourth verse in the Scripture was predictive when
written.” [2]
3. If predictive, then determine the fulfilled, unfulfilled,
unconditional or conditional elements of the prophecy. Many prophecies are fulfilled
either in the New Testament and the Old Testament. If mentioned in the New
Testament as fulfilled, you must compare it with the Old Testament passage to
see how the New Testament uses the Old Testament passage.
New Testament used the Old Testament in 4 ways:
- Literally. Example the Virgin Birth. Matthew 1:23.
- To prove a point or doctrine. John 6:45; Matthew 22:32.
- To explain a point. Hebrews 12:20
- To illustrate New Testament truth. Romans 10:6-8, 18.
If fulfilled in history, let history interpret the passage.
Example: Daniel 11.
If it is conditional, it may or may not be fulfilled. Zephaniah
2:1-3.
If fulfilled, the problem is difficult. One should be guided
by how the passage is fulfilled. Determine the theme that is treated elsewhere
and try to get guidance from all the passages regarding it. Example: Day of the
Lord.
4. Determine what elements of the prophecy are local.
Example: 2 Samuel 7:12-17.
5. Forget about chapter and verse division and look at the
whole context. Example: Malachi 2:27 belongs to 3:1. Chapter and verse divisions
are somewhat arbitrary and can be misleading. They are not inspired, nor
original in the text. Do not let these divisions limit your understanding.
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