My Servants the Prophets

by Edward J. Young

"Dr. E. J. Young has again brought to the Christian trade a work which excels in its biblical content. This text on the prophetic institution is not a run-of-the-mill work in either its thesis or presentation. The literary style is a blend of simplicity and lucidity. The thesis cuts across the general view concerning the correct basis for interpreting the prophets and advances a strict adherence to the rule, 'let Scripture interpret Scripture.'" - Christian Life "This reviewer must confess that he is impressed with the saneness and thoroughness of Dr. Young's exegetical technique. Dr. Young is obviously a scholar of no mean ability; and this book, as well as others by him . . ., provides ample proof that he has been well trained in the field of Semitic philology." - Interpretation

Genres: Old Testament, Reference, Biblical Studies, Theology

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1952

Reviews

[Lisa Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In My Servants the Prophets, EJ Young gives an excellent, comprehensive overview of Israel's prophetic office of the Old Testament, and comparing/contrasting/defending his views against those of liberal-critical scholars. Young defines Israel's prophets as men who (1) were Israelites, members of the covenant people; (2) whose gift was Divinely given, not of a human construct; (3) and they were to mediate between God and Israel, delivering revelation as given to them directly from the Lord through an impartation of the Holy Spirit. Young allows the biblical text to speak for itself, citing many Scriptural references and positing that the prophets' claims are true: Their messages were from God, and not of their own devising. (Really, considering that most of them were killed for delivering unpopular messages, why should we doubt them?) He also addresses the phenomenon of false prophets -- yes, Israel had them -- and the tell-tale signs of false prophesy (a prophet who prophesies in the name of another god or tells the people to follow after foreign gods; or a prophet whose prophesies do not come to pass).

While Young's book is admittedly scholarly, it is not unapproachable for the layman. Recommended as a beginner-friendly introduction to the Old Testament prophets, as an overview of the prophetic office.

[Dwayne Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to see what weaponized autism looked like before it could get squandered on video games and fandom? Well, here you go. And I mean it in a good way. My highest compliments. But Young goes into such detail in critical analysis of tiny issues that it's hard not think that if you took an OCD commentator of the latest animes and games, put him in a time machine, and had him go to seminary, he might crank out a book like this. God bless you, Mr. Young.

[Joe Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and intriguing look at the institution of the OT prophet, his message, and his place in society. Young makes the case that the OT prophet was individually called by God to deliver a message to the people.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like E.J. Young's writing style. He was very clear and a good exegete. Overall some helpful insights on the prophets but some of the conclusions were fairly basic points. It has intrigued me enough that I'd like to see what he has written on other topics though...

[Scott Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent, albeit at times technical study of the nature of the Biblical prophet. Dr. Young's analysis and exposition on this subject warrants re-reading. I found the most interesting chapter to be on the "School of Prophets" wherein Dr. Young discusses the prophetic nature of the prophetic schools found with Samuel, and once again with Elijah & Elisha. He notes the "ecstatic" nature associated with these schools; perhaps providing interesting insight into the New Testament prophetic utterances found in the Book of Acts and 1 Corinthians.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

What is the role and function of the prophets? Young examines this question by delving into the biblical record and drawing out the origin of the prophetic office. Interacting with dominant critical literature of his day, Young is thorough—perhaps to a fault—as he compares the prophets of ancient Israel to their pagan contemporaries. While Young has written a beneficial glimpse into the prophets, his repetitiveness (and the age of the work) leaves it distant.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was alright. He seemed to spend too much time in the book interacting with the various liberal OT scholars of his day.

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, conservative review of the prophetic ministry in the OT. Well researched.

[Alex]

Only read the following:

Ch. VIII: Were The Prophets Writers?