It’s more than just randomly chosen people getting visions, according to the ancient collection of legal interpretations, Sifrei Devarim.
The text, specifically Sifrei Devarim 176, hints at a powerful connection between our own actions and the divine gift of prophecy. It all starts with the verse in Deuteronomy (18:15), "A prophet shall I raise up for them."
But why them? What makes a people worthy of receiving prophecy?
The Sifrei doesn't leave us guessing. It states plainly: "We are hereby taught that as a reward for their fear (of listening to the voice of G-d) they merited that prophets arise for them."
Fear, or perhaps more accurately, awe and reverence before the Divine. It's not about cowering in terror, but about recognizing the immensity and importance of God's word, and striving to listen. Think of it: When we truly listen, when we open ourselves to something greater than ourselves, we create space for profound things to enter our lives. The Sifrei suggests that this openness, this willingness to listen to the Divine voice, is precisely what makes a community fertile ground for prophecy.
And what about the prophets themselves? How does God communicate with them?
The verse continues, "and I shall place My words in his mouth." The Sifrei interprets this as a promise, but also a boundary. God will place words in the prophet's mouth, but "I shall do this, but I shall not speak to him face to face.” In other words, prophecy isn’t a direct conversation, a casual chat with the Almighty. It’s a more nuanced, mediated form of communication. The divine message is channeled through the prophet.
This is a powerful idea. It suggests that prophecy is not just about passively receiving information, but about actively embodying and articulating the Divine will. The prophet becomes a vessel, a conduit for God's message to the world. As the Sifrei so beautifully puts it: "From now on, realize that the holy spirit has been placed in the mouth of the prophets." This ruach hakodesh, the holy spirit, empowers the prophet to speak truth, to challenge injustice, and to guide the people towards a more righteous path.
Finally, the text addresses the manner in which the prophet is to communicate. "And he shall speak to them (directly)." The Sifrei emphasizes: "Do not set up an interpreter for him."
Why is this important?
It underscores the directness and immediacy of the prophetic message. There’s no need for intermediaries, no need to filter or dilute the prophet's words. The prophet speaks with the authority of the Divine, and the people are meant to hear that message unfiltered. This directness creates a powerful connection between the prophet and the community, fostering trust and accountability. The prophet isn't just speaking about God; they are speaking for God, directly to the hearts and minds of the people.
So, what does all this mean for us today?
The Sifrei Devarim reminds us that prophecy isn't some relic of the past. It's a potential that arises from our own willingness to listen, to be open to the Divine voice in our lives. It is the courage of those who are willing to speak truth to power. While we may not all be prophets in the traditional sense, we can all strive to cultivate the qualities that make prophecy possible: reverence, attentiveness, and a commitment to speaking truth. Maybe, just maybe, by doing so, we can help bring a little more light and a little more justice into the world.