How were prophets chosen in the Bible?

Answer 1

Several papers in The World of Ancient Israel: Sociological, Anthropological and Political Perspectives (Edited by R. E. Clements) deals with the biblical prophets in some detail. Robert P. Carroll (Prophecy and society) says the Hebrew Bible presents so many different, ambiguous and ambivalent stories and treatments of prophets that the modern reader has to admit that the ancient Israelite writers had no clear image of what a prophet is or should be. Ronald E. Clements (Israel in its historical and cultural setting) says the prophetic books were clearly not written by prophets, but represent distilled collections of prophetic material, often from diverse ages.

Some believe that there were 'schools' in which prophets were trained, while others believe that the prophets were loners, who railed against the authorities of their day.

Answer 2

In some instances, the prophet was simply the chief disciple of the one before him (or her). But all of the Israelite prophets were chosen through God having given them the gift of prophecy with a message to teach.

The Israelite prophets were extremely learned and pious individuals, both men and women, whose superlative level of piety merited them with visions from God. They had to be humble, yet speak with authority. They had to love their people, yet not hesitate to rebuke with caustic words if commanded to by God. (See: Why did the Prophets rebuke? And see: Why did some people not listen to them?)
The prophets were called upon by God to guide the people and to guide the king. While the king had authority in national matters of state, and the Sanhedrin (Sages) had say in Torah-rulings and halakha (law), the prophets spoke in matters of ethics, of belief, of loyalty to God, and behavior. They rebuked the people at God's command, they predicted events which God revealed to them, they taught through Divine inspiration, and they provided optimism and hope with the prophecies of eventual Redemption.

Some of the prophetical chapters (or books) detail Israelite history and past events, some exhort the people to improve their spiritual level, some predict events and/or warn (especially concerning the First Destruction), some serve to comfort the nation, some speak of prayer and love of God, and some speak of life, experience and wisdom.

See also:A list of the Israelite prophets

Why did prophecy end?

History of the Hebrew Bible

Jewish history timeline

Answer 3

Most of the prophets in The Bible were called to service by the Almighty. Today we have people who call themselves into the ministry.