God sent all the prophets and seers to Israel and Judah with the primary purpose of urging His people to return to keeping His commandments. While some prophets foretold events, their central task was to preach repentance from sin and obedience to God's laws. Even when a prophecy does not explicitly state this purpose, as in Zephaniah 3:9, it implies that without keeping the commandments, one cannot truly serve God or call on Him. Commandment-keeping is of paramount importance to God, and prophets are instrumental in pressing God's people to obey Him. God intends that the revelations He provides, including prophecies, will keep His people within the parameters of His righteous government. At times, a prophet's actions, rather than words, serve this same purpose, as seen in Elijah's efforts to turn the people's hearts back to God and His commandments. God reveals mysteries through prophecies to motivate obedience, providing an incentive to develop righteous character reflective of His commandments.

Prophecy constitutes about one-third of Scripture, alongside instruction and history, yet it often captivates attention with its mysterious imagery, symbolism, and sense of expectation. Strange beasts, lurid women, armies, battles, plagues, destruction, conquering kings, and enigmatic numbers fuel fascination and excitement, especially among those who believe many predictions will soon unfold. For evangelists, prophecy serves as a compelling hook to draw interest in God's Word, often being the most requested theme in literature and broadcasts. Ultimately, the purpose of prophecy is to glorify God. Through it, we witness God at work in His plan across millennia, see proof of His existence and power in fulfilled predictions, and recognize His sovereignty in the affairs of men. While prophecy does reveal future events, it is not to the extent that we gain complete or precise foreknowledge. The Lord God reveals His secrets to His prophets, yet Jesus Christ Himself warns that no one knows the exact day or hour of His return, only the Father. We are urged to be ready, as the Son of Man will come at an unexpected hour. Our understanding remains partial and dim, reminding us that speculative scenarios about the end times cannot be dogmatic. Prophecy, like all knowledge, will eventually fail, underscoring that the core of Christianity is not to predict outcomes but to glorify God by reflecting the image of His Son.

The purpose of prophecy is ultimately to glorify God. Through prophecy, we witness God at work in His plan across millennia, bringing His purpose to pass with remarkable precision in detail and timing. In the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, we find proof of God's existence and power. Prophecy exhibits for all to see that God is sovereign in the affairs of men, placing rulers in their positions and moving history along at His pace toward His ends. It serves as a proof of God, His power, His plan, and His rulership. When we see that God speaks and His prediction happens just as He says it will, our faith and hope are given a firm basis. If He predicts disaster because of sin, and it happens exactly as forecast, we know beyond a doubt that He curses disobedience, spurring us to obey Him in fear of the Lord. Conversely, when He blesses for obedience, showing He is pleased, we respond in love and gratitude, knowing He is always true to His Word. This, perhaps, is the true aim of prophecy: as a means to produce faith, hope, and love in God's people, employed in producing holy, righteous character in His elect.