The Abiding Gift of Prophecy

Israel Rejects the Gift

Yet more than that, they rejected His prophetic gift, that open channel of communication between heaven and earth. Thus, on their part, Israel completely separated themselves from God and from all that He had put in operation for their safe guidance and protection. All this may not have been intended or even foreseen by them at the moment, but it was nevertheless all involved in their determination to have a man instead of God as their leader. AGP 72.2

This was the hidden, subtle purpose of the mastermind back of the revolt against the theocratic government. Israel was then the only nation on earth that recognized the true God or had any communication with Him. Every other nation had turned from the Creator to false gods and to heathen worship. If, now, Israel’s connection with Jehovah, their King, could be broken, the estrangement and separation of the human race would be complete. Satan would then gain his original purpose. This, he undoubtedly reasoned, would establish forever his sovereignty over man and the dominion given him at creation. AGP 72.3

But Satan’s ambitious, long-cherished scheme was not allowed to reach the full consummation he had purposed. True, the nation rejected Jehovah as king. They put a mere man in His place. They rejected the prophetic gift by spurning its messages. But the break—the separation of Israel from God—was not entire, for the Lord did not abandon the nation altogether. He AGP 72.4

did not refuse to take any part in governmental affairs, He did not abdicate in favor of their king. On the contrary, while He allowed them to have a human, visible king, He continued to maintain a measure of authority over both king and people. He maintained at least a limited theocratic government for centuries. He overruled in the affairs of the nation as He saw fit and best. Nor was the prophetic gift withdrawn. This gracious channel of communication was kept open. Indeed, it was opened wider than ever to meet the new needs and dangers that had been created and multiplied. AGP 73.1

At no other time in the history of God’s people has there been a greater manifestation of the prophetic gift. The Scriptures record the names and the services of thirty different prophets from Samuel to Jeremiah. Besides these thirty who are named, several unnamed prophets are mentioned, to whom definite duties were assigned. The records also speak of the “sons of the prophets,” and of companies of subordinate prophets. The records further show that nearly every one of the forty-two kings from Saul to Zedekiah was counseled by these prophets. AGP 73.2

Thus in great compassion and kindness the Lord dealt with kings and people. Some of the kings welcomed the prophets and gave heed to their messages as from the Lord. For such He wrought marvelous deliverances in times of great peril. He sent messages of warning to kings whose evil ways were corrupting and destroying His people. In some cases the Lord brought severe punishment upon those who rejected His messages. AGP 73.3