The Voice of The Spirit

Correction And Counsel In The Old Testament

In Old Testament times, prophets generally transmitted the divine message directly. God’s servants were instructed to confront erring persons, whether kings or common citizens, the high priest or a member of the congregation. On occasion, the correction encompassed all of God’s people, or at least a majority who were on the road toward apostasy. VOTS 67.1

On other occasions, the recipient of God’s message was a pagan nation or an impenitent city. The message to Nineveh, transmitted by the wandering and elusive prophet Jonah, is a good illustration of the mercy of God toward sinners. Jonah criss-crossed the entire city on foot to proclaim a warning message that, hearkened to and accepted by its inhabitants, saved the city from sure destruction. VOTS 68.1