Tuesday, 14 June 2011

naomi's question of the day - #20

"naomi's question of the day" is a new feature of the Nishmablog featuring a question for you to ponder, extend and/or respond to through your comments.

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June 14, 2011

When Moshe says:
O that all the people of  God were prophets, that God would place His Spirit upon them
it seems to suggest that there is a state of prophecy that exists before God involves Himself --what is this state, how is it achieved, how is it exemplified?
Ans who are 'the people of God'?

3 comments:

Garnel Ironheart said...

1) We're the people of God.
2) In the Hebrew these are not two separate statements, more like: Oh that all the people of God were prophets by His placing His spirit on them

There are other forms of prophecy but they involve hallucinogenic drugs and are usually incorrect.

Bob Miller said...

This expresses the wish that all Jews should have the aptitude and merit to be able to receive prophecy.

June said...

Couldn't "the people of God" be everyone in the world? Why does it have to only be the Jewish People? Either answer seems somewhat problematic.

To receive prophecy...

I only echo you back: How can one achieve a state suitable to recieve God's spirit? It seems as strange to me as the mystery of the creation of the world...

I find it so interesting that it is Moshe who wishes others to be propehts like him. Is he lementing the fact that God does not place His Spirit upon others? Or, that others have not achieved the right state of being (whatever that is?)to be given that highest gift?