“The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying” – it13Prophecy. is referred to by ten expressions: a prophecy, a vision,14See Psalms 89:20. preaching,15See Ezekiel 21:2. speaking,16See II Samuel 23:2. saying,17See Exodus 4:22. a command,18See Genesis 2:16. a burden,19See Malachi 1:1. a parable,20See Isaiah 14:4. a metaphor,21See Proverbs 1:6. an enigma.22See Numbers 12:8. Which is the harshest of them all?
Rabbi Eliezer said: Vision, as it is stated: “A harsh vision was told to me” (Isaiah 21:2). Rabbi Yoḥanan said: Speaking, as it is stated: “The man, lord of the land, spoke harshly with us” (Genesis 42:30). The Rabbis said: Burden, as is its plain sense: “Like an onerous burden, they are too heavy for me” (Psalms 38:5). Abram’s potency [of prophecy] was great, as God spoke to him with both speaking [dibur] and vision, as it is stated: “The word [devar] of the Lord came to Abram in a vision.”