THE FIRST PROPHET

The first time the word "prophet" shows up in Scripture is Genesis 20:7. Fascinatingly, it is Abraham who is the first to be called a prophet by God.

The word pops up in a dialogue which the Lord has with King Abimelech after the king has taken Sarah into his household - because Abraham said she was his sister rather than his wife.

(It's surprising how quick Abraham was to throw Sarah under the bus whenever he got scared!) 

Anyway, God appears to Abimelech in a dream and says, "Now then, return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, so that he will pray for you, and you shall live. But if you do not return her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”

Isn't it interesting that the term "prophet" comes out of left field and isn't explained? And, as far as I know, this is the only time Abraham is referred to as a prophet of God. 

So what exactly qualifies someone as a prophet?

Whatever it means, it obviously doesn't describe a person who is perfect or lacking in sin - Abraham created a lot of trouble by lying about Sarah.