The Ripple of Prophecy
I've been blessed to teach Biblical Exegesis and Hermeneutics for several years now. When teaching the section on reading prophetic books well and prophecy within others I often use an example I learned a long time ago. I begin by explaining that, while they may have heard of prophecy…
“I do not think it means what you think it means.”
-Inigo Montoya
When most people hear prophecy they automatically jump to telling the future. Many of the prophetic books in the Bible speak to the immediate context that they are told in. But there are some that go further. Consider this for a moment…
Prophecy is like the ripple that occurs when you throw a rock into the water. There's the initial ripple that is created but it will ultimately be followed by more ripples. In the creation of these concentric circles we see how prophecy continues to stand true throughout history. Prophecy means what it means in its time but it continues to have meaning and truth beyond it's initial meaning.
Now, don't misunderstand me. I'm not suggesting that every prophecy has multiple fulfillments or that we can make Scripture mean whatever we want. We must first understand what God was communicating to the original audience. Then, as we examine the rest of Scripture, we can recognize where God has revealed a broader fulfillment or continuing significance. The key is allowing Scripture to establish those connections rather than forcing them ourselves.
While reading and dwelling in 2 Samuel 7 and the Davidic Covenant I saw this ripple effect. I wanted to illustrate this in an image. God confirms this covenant with King David making a promise to him. God will continue to keep His promises according to His Hesed, steadfast love.
“When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’”
- 2 Samuel 7:12-16 ESV
While processing this information I thought to myself, this would be an amazing passage to show the ripple effect of prophecy. I often interrupt my times of study to note and share information that I feel will be helpful in developing the disciples of Christ Jesus. As God is speaking directly to that which will happen with the lineage of David, when the next ripple takes place we see that this not only applies to Solomon but beyond. I won’t bore you with any more words, I took my words and I asked my assistant CHATasha GaPaT to create an image explaining those words. I hope you enjoy what she has helped me to illustrate. Let me know what you think.
