The messages of the prophets were primarily derived from which source?

The messages of the prophets in the Old Testament were primarily derived from divine inspiration, meaning they were believed to be guided and influenced directly by God. This concept of divine inspiration underscores the prophetic role as intermediaries between God and the people of Israel, conveying messages that included calls for repentance, warnings of impending judgment, and promises of hope and restoration.

Prophets often relayed God's messages and intentions, emphasizing that their authority and insight came not from personal opinions or experiences, but rather from a direct communication and appointment by God. This understanding is foundational for interpreting the prophetic literature within the Old Testament, which frequently asserts that the prophets spoke on behalf of God, rather than through their own subjective interpretations or personal insights.

In contrast, while personal experiences and historical events may inform the context or content of some prophetic messages, they do not form the primary source of the messages themselves, which are rooted in divine inspiration.