and the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets;

'subject' -'Remember that. person who has. message from God has the power to stop himself and wait his turn.' (Tay) 'The gift of prophecy does not take from the prophets the control of their own spirits.' (Con)

'Nor can this "keeping silence" be. problem for the prophet, because he is in control of his spirit. He isn't bowled over by the storm of inspiration.' (McGuiggan p. 184)

'In the New Testament Paul lays down the principle that, in true prophecy, self-conciousness, and self-command are never lost.' (Vincent p. 272)

In the Apostle Paul prayed that he might speak God's word as he should. (Ephesians 6:19) The Apostles prayed for boldness to preach God's word. (Acts 4:24) Timothy was told to abandon the tendency to be timid. (2 Timothy 1:6) All this reveals that inspiration didn't override free-will. An inspired man could back down. (Ezekiel 2:18)

This verse and the others in the context find themselves in conflict with the modern Charismatic Movement. In which people claim to be "lost" in the Spirit.

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Old Testament