Category:Prophets (subject)

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According to Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions, Prophets are individuals who served as intermediaries of revelation between God and humankind.

Overview

The list of recognized prophets varies according to different traditions, even within the same religion. Those labeled as "false prophets" in one tradition, may be regarded as "true prophets" by others, and vice versa.

The patent of "prophet" may or may not be attributed to some individuals even when their authority is not disputed. Sometimes it can be attributed to people outside one's own religious community.

Prophets in Rabbinic Judaism

According to Rabbinic Judaism, prophecy ceased after the Babylonian exile (Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi were the last prophets). The tradition recognizes 56 "biblical" prophets, including seven prophetesses and one non-Jewish prophet (Balaam). Moses is celebrated as the greatest prophet. Daniel is not counted among the prophets, as he is regarded more as a "writer" than a preacher.

  • Jacob (Gen 25:21 - 49:33)
  • Moses (Ex 2:1 - Deut 34:5)
  • Aaron (Ex 4:14 - Num 33:39)
  • Joshua (Ex. 17:9 - 14, 24:13, 32:17 - 18, 33:11; Num. 11:28 - 29, 13:4 - 14:38; 27:18 - 27:23; Deut. 1:38, 3:28, 31:3, 31:7; Joshua 24:29)
  • Phinehas (Pinchas) (Ex. 6:25; Num. 25:7-25:11; Num. 31:6; Josh. 22:13 - Josh. 24:33; Judges 20:28)
  • Eli (1 Sam 1:9 - 4:18)
  • Gad (1 Sam 22:5; II Sam 24:11-19; I Chron 21:9-21:19, 29:29)
  • Nathan (II Sam 7:2 - 17; 12:1 - 25)
  • David (I Sam 16:1 - I Kings 2:11)
  • Solomon (II Sam 12:24; 1 Kings 1:10 - 11:43)
  • Iddo (II Chron 9:29, 12:15, 13:22)
  • Amoz (the father of Isaiah)
  • Elijah (1 Kings 17:1 - 21:29; 2 Kings 1:10-2:15, 9:36-37, 10:10, 10:17)
  • Elisha (1 Kings 19:16-19; 2 Kings 2:1-13:21)
  • Shemaiah (I Kings 12:22-24; II Chron 11:2-4, 12:5-15
  • [[Mehseiah, father of Neriah
  • Oded, the father of Azariah

Female Prophets

Non-Jewish Prophets

List of Prophets in Christianity

According to Christianity, the gift of prophecy extended beyond the end of the Babylonian exile to include some individuals living during the Second temple period and the Apostolic age. While recognizing the authority of the "biblical" prophets, Christianity adds Daniel and John the Baptist. Enoch also is called "prophet" in the letter of Jude. From the Christian perspective, all prophecy converges in the announcement of the messiahship of Jesus of Nazareth, and after Jesus in the authentic interpretation of his message.

List of Prophets in Islam

Twenty-five individuals are named "prophets" in the Quran. Muhammad is celebrated as the last and greatest prophet; from the Islamic perspective, all prophecy converges in the announcement of the mission of Muhammad. Four prophets are believed to have been given holy books: the Torah (Tawrat) to Moses, the Psalms (Zabur) to David, the Gospel (Injil) to Jesus, and the Qur'an to Muhammad.

Prophets in ancient sources

Prophets in literature & the arts

Prophets in scholarship

External links