The commissioning of a prophet in the biblical context is a significant event that marks the divine selection and empowerment of an individual to serve as God's spokesperson. This process is characterized by a direct encounter with God, a clear mandate, and often, the bestowal of specific signs or abilities to authenticate the prophet's message.

Biblical Examples of Commissioning

1. Moses: One of the most prominent examples of commissioning is found in the calling of Moses. In Exodus 3, Moses encounters God in the burning bush. God reveals His name, Yahweh, and commissions Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses is given signs, such as the staff turning into a serpent, to validate his divine appointment (Exodus 4:1-5).

2. Isaiah: Isaiah's commissioning is vividly described in Isaiah 6. In a vision, Isaiah sees the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted. He is cleansed by a seraphim with a live coal and hears the voice of the Lord asking, "Whom shall I send?" Isaiah responds, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8). This encounter underscores the prophet's purification and readiness to deliver God's message.

3. Jeremiah: Jeremiah's commissioning is detailed in Jeremiah 1. God informs Jeremiah that he was chosen before birth and appointed as a prophet to the nations. Despite Jeremiah's initial reluctance, God assures him of divine presence and protection, saying, "Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you" (Jeremiah 1:8).

4. Ezekiel: Ezekiel's commissioning occurs in Ezekiel 2-3. God addresses Ezekiel as "son of man" and sends him to the rebellious house of Israel. He is given a scroll to eat, symbolizing the internalization of God's words, and is empowered by the Spirit to speak with authority (Ezekiel 3:1-3).

5. Amos: Although not from a prophetic lineage, Amos is called by God while tending to his flocks. In Amos 7:14-15, he recounts, "I was not a prophet, nor was I a son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd and a grower of sycamore figs. But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to My people Israel'" .

Characteristics of a Prophetic Commissioning

· Divine Encounter: A personal and often dramatic encounter with God is a hallmark of prophetic commissioning. This encounter establishes the prophet's authority and mission.

· Mandate and Message: The prophet receives a specific mandate, often accompanied by a message of repentance, judgment, or hope. This message is to be delivered to a particular audience, whether it be Israel, Judah, or other nations.

· Empowerment and Signs: Prophets are frequently empowered with signs or miracles to authenticate their message. These signs serve as evidence of divine backing and authority.

· Resistance and Assurance: Many prophets express reluctance or fear upon receiving their commission. God often provides assurance of His presence and protection, as seen in the cases of Moses and Jeremiah.

The Role of the Prophet

Prophets serve as intermediaries between God and His people, conveying divine will and calling for covenant faithfulness. They often challenge social injustices, idolatry, and moral decay, urging a return to God's ways. Despite facing opposition and persecution, prophets remain steadfast in their mission, driven by their divine commissioning and the compelling nature of God's message.

In summary, the commissioning of a prophet is a profound and transformative event, marked by divine encounter, empowerment, and a clear mandate to speak God's truth to His people.