Failed Prophecies of The Old Testament
Defend the Truth of Scripture by Truly Understanding Distinction
There are numerous "failed" prophecies in the Bible - here is a sample:
Ex 3:8, 15:17, 23:23 – God promised to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites who left Egypt. But the adverse report by the spies caused them to rebel, so God said, “not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home.” (Num 14:30) God even called this, “my breach of promise” (Num 14:34 KJV).
2 Kings 20:1 – Hezekiah’s sickness resulted in a prophecy from Isaiah that he would not recover. However, in 2 Kings 20:2-6 Hezekiah pleads with the Lord who decides to reverse the prophecy and adds another 15 years to his life.
Jonah 3:3, 4 – Jonah prophesied that Nineveh would be destroyed in 40 days. Yet when the people repented, the prophecy was reversed (Jonah 3:5-10).
1 Kings 21:20–26 – Elijah prophesied that Ahab would be destroyed. But when he repented the outcome was reversed (1 Kings 21:27, 28).
2 Sam 7:16, 16, Ps 132:11 – God promised David (and confirmed it to Solomon in 2 Chron 7:18) that his throne would last forever. That David’s royal throne was destroyed about 500 years later, in 586 BC, is a historical fact. However, the prophecy was no less certain because it, as with all such prophecies was conditional as recorded in 1 Kings 6:11, 12, 8:25, Ps 132:12, 2 Chron 7:17, 18.
In Jer 17:4, God’s anger is kindled against wicked Judah and will burn forever. Later in the same chapter (v25) He promises to love them forever.
the “forever” Davidic line of kings, l Kings 2:3, 4; 8:25, 9:4,5; l Chron 28:4-9; 2 Chron 6:16; 7:17-22. The Davidic dynasty lasted until their capture of Zedekiah in the 6th century BC and was never re-established.
Let’s make a distinction between “failed” prophecy and “false” prophecy.
FALSE
These individuals claim to speak on behalf of God but spread deceptive messages and teachings. Here are some key points about false prophets based on Scripture [emphasis my own]:
Matthew 7:15-20 warns us to be cautious: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. You shall know them by their fruits. A good tree brings forth good fruit, while a corrupt tree produces evil fruit. By their actions, you can discern them” 1.
Deuteronomy 18:20 provides a stern warning: “A false prophet presumes to speak in My name anything I have not commanded, or speaks in the name of other gods.” These deceivers twist God’s truth and lead people astray 2.
1 John 4:1-3 emphasizes discernment: “Many false prophets exist in the world. To recognize them, consider whether they acknowledge that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Those who deny this truth are not from God” 3.
Jeremiah 14:14 describes false prophets as those who offer “false visions, divinations, idolatries, and delusions of their own minds.” Their messages mislead and distort God’s intentions 4.