Lexical Summary nebuah: prophecy Original Word: נְבוּאָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance prophecy From naba'; a prediction (spoken or written) -- prophecy. see HEBREW naba' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as nabi Definition prophecy NASB Translation prophecy (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs נְבוּאָה noun masculine prophecy (late: earlier synonym חָזוֺן); — 1. a. specific and Genuine2Chronicles 15:8. b. False. Nehemiah 6:12. 2 prophetic writing עַלֿ נְבוּאַת אֲחִיָּה2Chronicles 9:29. Topical Lexicon Usage in the Old TestamentThe noun נְבוּאָה appears only three times, each time linked to the written or spoken message of a prophet. • 2 Chronicles 9:29 presents “the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite” alongside “the records of Nathan the prophet” and “the visions of Iddo the seer,” underscoring that Solomon’s reign was documented and interpreted through inspired prophetic testimony. • 2 Chronicles 15:8 records that King Asa, “when he heard these words and the prophecy of Azariah son of Oded the prophet, … took courage and removed the detestable idols”. Here נְבוּאָה functions as the catalyst for covenant renewal and national repentance. • Nehemiah 6:12 notes Nehemiah’s discernment: “I realized that God had not sent him, but he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him”. In this setting נְבוּאָה exposes a counterfeit revelation meant to deter the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. Together these occurrences trace a line from the united monarchy, through Judah’s reform, to post-exilic restoration, showing prophecy’s enduring role in guiding, rebuking, and safeguarding God’s people. Historical Context 1. Monarchical Period (2 Chronicles 9:29): Prophetic literature served as a divinely authorized chronicle. Nathan, Ahijah, and Iddo wrote or spoke under inspiration, providing theological interpretation of national events. Their “prophecy” did not merely predict; it explained history from God’s viewpoint. 2. Reformation under Asa (2 Chronicles 15:8): Asa reigned during regional instability. Azariah’s prophecy reminded Judah that “the LORD is with you when you are with Him” (2 Chronicles 15:2). The immediate reforms that followed demonstrate how prophetic words could move a king to courageous obedience despite political risk. 3. Post-Exilic Jerusalem (Nehemiah 6:12): With the community vulnerable, enemies hired Shemaiah to pronounce a false prophecy urging Nehemiah to hide in the temple. Nehemiah’s rejection reveals that prophetic claims were tested against prior revelation and the character of God (cf. Deuteronomy 18:21-22). Connection to Prophetic Ministry These passages portray multiple facets of authentic prophetic ministry: • Written Record – Prophecy may be preserved in historiography (2 Chronicles 9:29), affirming Scripture’s factual reliability. • Calls to Repentance – True prophecy convicts of idolatry and summons to covenant faithfulness (2 Chronicles 15:8). • Discernment of Spirits – God’s people must evaluate claims to prophecy; financial or political motives expose falsehood (Nehemiah 6:12). Theological Implications 1. Divine Initiative: נְבוּאָה originates with God, not human intuition. Even historical chronicles are prophetic when God directs the interpretation. 2. Moral Demand: Genuine prophecy produces obedience, reform, and worship. It is never morally neutral. 3. Canonical Consistency: The Chronicler and Nehemiah assume earlier Torah criteria for prophecy, supporting the unity and coherence of Scripture. 4. Protection of the Remnant: In every era God safeguards His redemptive plan by sending prophetic words that steer leaders and communities away from apostasy or discouragement. Application for Contemporary Believers • Submit to Scripture: The recorded נְבוּאָה reminds believers that the written Word carries enduring authority for faith and practice. • Embrace Reform: Asa’s response demonstrates that courageous change begins with humble reception of God’s message. • Practice Discernment: Nehemiah’s vigilance models how to test spiritual claims by examining motives, measuring against Scripture, and seeking the witness of the Spirit. • Record God’s Works: Just as the Chronicler compiled prophetic records, modern believers are encouraged to recount God’s faithfulness for future generations. Related Terms and Concepts While נְבוּאָה focuses on the content of the prophetic message, the Old Testament also uses: • נָבִיא (prophet) – the messenger himself. Taken together, these terms reveal a comprehensive picture: God raises a prophet, grants a vision, delivers an oracle, and the resultant prophecy calls His people back to covenant loyalty. Forms and Transliterations הַנְּבוּאָה֙ הנבואה וְהַנְּבוּאָה֮ והנבואה נְבוּאַ֞ת נבואת han·nə·ḇū·’āh hannəḇū’āh hannevuAh nə·ḇū·’aṯ nəḇū’aṯ nevuAt vehannevuAh wə·han·nə·ḇū·’āh wəhannəḇū’āhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Chronicles 9:29 HEB: הַנָּבִ֔יא וְעַל־ נְבוּאַ֞ת אֲחִיָּ֣ה הַשִּֽׁילוֹנִ֗י NAS: the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah KJV: the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah INT: the prophet concerning the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite 2 Chronicles 15:8 Nehemiah 6:12 3 Occurrences |