Divinity Questions and Answers

QUESTION “Pre-canonical prophecy was a kind of prophecy which had never been seen in the world,” Examine this view. (25) COMMENT OVERVIEW The above question requires one to show that pre-canonical prophecy was indeed new version of prophecy. The question might be confusing, one will understand that after defining key words, the question will be simple. In order for you to understand the above question try to answer the following fundamental questions. a) What is prophecy? b) How do you understand the word pre-canonical? c) Does this question require one to point out the uniqueness of prophecy?

N.B Pre-canonical prophets include the following. a) Moses, Elisha b) Samuel, Ahijah of Shiloh c) Elijah, Nathan, Gad, Man of God ANSWERS

Pre-canonical prophecy we concentrate on the non- writing prophets. The pre-canonical prophecy was kind of prophecy which had never been seen in the world, this is true considering the view that they received calls. A number of pre-canonical prophets received calls for instance Moses received a call when he experienced a vision of burning bush at Mt Horeb, this is recorded in Exodus 3:1 and Samuel as well experienced theophany in his call as he heard a voice, this is recorded in 1st Samuel 3:1. It is not recorded that the prophets of other nations received calls even though they claimed to be too visionary, hence this indicates that prophecy of pre-canonical prophets was kind of prophecy which had never been seen in the world.

Pre-canonical prophets were forbidden to use other methods in predicting the future, this is recorded in Due 18:10-11.This indicates that pre-canonical prophets were to use their own special source, hence, they were divinely inspired. The prophets of other nations used different methods (divination, necromancy, e.t.c) pre -canonical prophets by using their own source will lead one to postulate that pre-canonical prophecy was kind of prophecy which had never been seen before in the world.

N.B There are so many points which can be added - The however part

In as much as it can be argued that pre-canonical prophecy was a kind of prophecy which had never been seen in the world, it will be miscarriage of justice if one totally concur with the allegation as there were some elements of similarities, hence leading one to argue that to a certain degree pre-canonical prophecy was also seen in the world for instance. Israelites experienced ecstasy, this idea was first experienced by the 70 elders during the exodus event ,this is recorded in Numbers 11 :22-26. The type of ecstasy which they experienced has been interpreted by different scholars, some believe that it was a contagious type of ecstasy. This has been supported by Constable in page 41, paragraph 4 in his NUMBERS notes who submitted that this type of prophecy was selective and temporary. This type of prophecy was also common in surrounding nations ,this has been supported by Pritchard quoted by B.W Anderson in his book entitled the The Living World of Old Testament, who recorded the story of WenAmon (the story is well known) The sons of prophets experienced absorption ecstasy; absorption ecstasy is whereby an individual prophesy ecstatically after being induced or absorbed by music, this is recorded in 1st Samuel 10:6-10 has been supported by J Lindblom quoted by Ewbank page 9, paragraph 6. (The point in this case is that Israelites experienced ecstasy). Extra biblical sources proves that ecstasy was common in surrounding nations, it was common in Syria, this can be supported by the story of STELLE ZAKIR, who was answered by a seer who delivered the visions in trance. The story of Mt Camel Contest is well known by so many people, what cannot be noticed is that the Baal prophets which were exported by Jezebel from Phoenicia experienced ecstasy in 1st Kings 18:28, this type of ecstasy is also believed by B.W.Anderson in his book entitled The Living word of Old Testament to have existed in Asia Minor (orges of Dionysus).

All this indicates that pre-canonical prophecy was a kind of prophecy which had been seen Phoenicia, Syria and Asia-minor.

The prophetic titles of Israel prophets, is believed to be similar to those of surrounding nations, Israel prophets named their prophets as man of God, this trend started with Moses, this is evidenced in Joshua 14:6, Samuel was also regarded as a man of God in 1st Samuel 9:7-9, Elijah the Tishbite was regarded as a man of God by the widow of Zerapath in 1st Kings 17:1220. The young prophet from Judah is named as man of God in the bible (1st Kings 13:1) even though scholars like Josephus named him as Jadon. In surrounding nations they were prophets who were named as man of God, this has been supported by Martin North citing the story of Andrew Parrot the French archaeologist (Sometimes the story is well known as the story of ZIMRI LIM). As such, this indicates that pre canonical prophecy was seen in the world. More points can be added

Advising Kings (Gad and Nathan): Similar to the story of Balaam the Moabite who advised the King of Moab Baalak to offer the sacrifices (read Numbers 23 :1 to get full information)

Witness Dingani is an author, columnis, youth coach, radio host & cricketer. He is the founder of charity organisation Dingani Charity Organisation. In 2016 has been voted as the most influential youthful figures in Zimbabwe and being voted on the 8th position out of 15 people by the Pan-Zimbabwe society. Questions by schools can be submitted through his mobile number +2363777896159 or Email address: witnessdingani@ gmail.com. Readers can follow the Questions and Answers in the Sunday News newspaper every week. Next week’s Topic on Sunday News “True and False prophets in relation to Zimbabwean Context.” Do not miss out!

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