When we read about the prophets in the Bible we soon discover that they have several traits in common, even though they were very different in style and personality. At Bergen Bible School today I shared five hallmarks of the prophets with the students.

1. The prophets claimed that God spoke through them. They viewed themselves as messengers of Yahweh the Eternal Lord, the I AM, the only true and living God. They were constantly using the phrase, "Thus says the Lord" or "This is the word from the mouth of the Lord". In this way they are also claiming that their books are the written word of God.
2. The prophets affirm that God has chosen Israel for covenant relationship. They believed that God had made a covenant with their father Abraham and all his descendants, and that he through the Law had revealed the lifestyle that reflect the covenant relationship.
3. The prophets exposed the failure of the people to fulfil their covenant obligations towards God, their neighbours and the surrounding nations. The prophets spoke against covenant breaking.
4. The prophets warned the people of coming judgement if they continued in their sinful ways.
5. The prophets spoke of renewal and rather restoration after God had executed his judgement on the nation. Restoration and hope for the future on earth were prominent in the messages of the prophets.