Prophecy is often conditional—prophecy
does not cause events to take place, but the prophet is inspired to foresee the
consequences of certain conditions. If people believe, and change, the future
will shape up differently. (Roy A. Welker, Spiritual Values of the Old
Testament: M Man-Gleaner Course of Study 1961-62 [Salt Lake City: L.D.S.
Department of Education, 1961], 160)
Divine prophecy often has more
meaning in it than meets the eye of the finite mind. This fact is evidenced by
the various interpretations is so often arouses. Jesus upon occasion, had to
explain some of His utterances which His disciples, for lack of understanding,
and comprehension, could not interpret. Time, which man tries to utilize for
his own advantage and apply to his immediate concern, is not always of such
considerable moment to the prophet. His prophecy may require a brief or a
remote period for its fulfillment—it may be partially fulfilled in one and
completed in another era of time. When uttered under the inspiration of the
Spirit of God it will find its true fulfillment no matter what the wisdom of
man may indicate. (Roy A. Welker, Spiritual Values of the Old Testament: M
Man-Gleaner Course of Study 1961-62 [Salt Lake City: L.D.S. Department of
Education, 1961], 331)
