It’s a question that pops up when we delve into the Sifrei Devarim, an early rabbinic commentary on the Book of Deuteronomy. It tackles this very issue, using the prophets Amos and Jeremiah as examples.
Let's start with Amos. We read in Amos 3:1, "Hear this prophecy which the L-rd spoke." But hold on a second. Did Amos only deliver this one prophecy? Of course not! Amos 1:1 tells us, "The words of Amos, one of the herders of Tekoa, who saw visions concerning Israel." He had many visions, many words. So, what’s so special about “this prophecy”?
The Sifrei Devarim argues that the key lies in the nature of the prophecy. "The intent (of 'this prophecy') is that they were words of rebuke," it explains. Specifically, it points to Amos 4:1: "Hear this thing, you cows of Bashan on Mount Shomron."
"Cows of Bashan?" What’s that about? Well, the Sifrei Devarim clarifies that the "cows of Bashan" are actually a metaphor for the corrupt judges of the time. So, the emphasis isn’t simply on the fact that Amos spoke, but on the fact that he delivered a sharp, stinging rebuke to those in power. It was a call for justice, a condemnation of their corruption.
Now, let's turn to Jeremiah. We encounter a similar situation. Jeremiah 7:1 states, "The word that came to Jeremiah." Later, in Jeremiah 40:4, we find, "And these are the words that the L-rd spoke." But again, did Jeremiah only prophesy these words? Absolutely not! He wrote an entire book! Jeremiah 51:64 even declares, "Until here, the words of Jeremiah."
So, what's the deal with “And these are the words”? According to the Sifrei Devarim, just like with Amos, these were also words of rebuke. The commentary directs us to Jeremiah 30:5-7: "A sound of terror have we heard, of fear and not peace. Ask now and see if a male has ever given birth. Why, then, do I see that every man puts his hands upon his loins like a woman in childbirth, and all faces turn pale? Woe! For that day is great. There is none like it. It is a time of trouble for Jacob. But from it he will be saved."
Powerful stuff. It paints a vivid picture of fear and upheaval, a time of immense distress for Jacob (referring to the Jewish people). But even amidst the terror, there's a glimmer of hope: "But from it he will be saved."
So, what’s the takeaway here? It’s not just about what the prophets said, but how they said it, and why. The Sifrei Devarim highlights the importance of understanding the specific context and intent behind prophetic pronouncements. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most important messages are the ones that challenge us, that hold us accountable, and that ultimately, offer a path toward redemption, even in the darkest of times. These words of rebuke, though difficult to hear, are ultimately acts of love, a desperate attempt to steer us back onto the right path. And perhaps, that’s a message we can all take to heart today.