The term prophet had a wide meaning among the Israelites, since it also included people like Abraham, Moses, and Miriam. That is why some so-called historical books are often called the early prophets. Jewish traditions hold that there were 48 male prophets, and seven female prophets, Sarah, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, Abigail, Huldah, and Esther. Others have recognized Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah as female prophets also. Thus, there is a wide range of written prophetic books in the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament. The Hebrew prophetic dominant message was a return to Yahweh and his laws. They were to protect the poor, the orphans, and the widows. Justice and righteousness dominate in their messages. Yahweh would judge them. Although some Israelites were sinners, they would have a bright future if they turned from their evil ways to Yahweh.
Will you return to God?
Yahweh himself calls for a return (Joel 2:12-2:12)
“Yahweh says.
‘Yet even now!
Return to me!
With all your heart!
Return with fasting!
Return with weeping!
Return with mourning!
Rend your hearts!
Not your garments!’”
Joel has Yahweh speak directly in the first-person singular. Yahweh himself wanted them to return to him, with all their hearts, after this devastating plague of locusts has hit them. They were to return to Yahweh by fasting, weeping, and mourning. They were to break open their hearts, and not tear their garments.