A distinguishing characteristic of the biblical prophets is what scholars call "total identification." This means they didn't separate themselves from those to whom they were speaking. While they often spoke of judgment, it was more a judgment of "us" than "them."

Contrast this with many of those who fancy themselves modern prophetic voices, & the pseudo-prophetic nature of their work is exposed. Prophets must often stand "against", but that against is situated within a deeper posture of "with" and "for."

As Oswalt, commenting on Isaiah, says, "Prophets aren't disembodied voices, chirping & scolding & muttering from the beyond...They are unusually engaged on every level. This capacity for total identification is one characteristic of the Hebrews prophets."