(November 29, 2008 at 7:20 am)allan175 Wrote: What does it imply then? As far as I can see if someone is saying something will happen then they know it's going to happen.
What is your alternative explanation?
Sometimes it means that they will make sure it happens. Tecnically a prophecy is an inspired message; a revelation of divine will and purpose or proclamation thereof. It could be a moral teaching, or a divine command or judgement, or a declaration of something to come. The Hebrew nava and Greek propheteuo doesn't convey prediction or foretelling in the basic sense.
For example, when Ezekiel was told to prophecy to the wind this resulted in the raising of the bones to life. (Ezekiel 37:9 - 10) At Jesus trial those who slapped him asked: "Prophesy to us, you Christ. Who is it that struck you?" (Matthew 26:67 - 68 / Luke 22:63 - 64) meaning they asked for divine revelation rather than prophecy.
