Heschel Reflection

From reading and studying the WORD of GOD, I am already aware of the Biblical Prophets and their messages. I was also aware that prophets were not limited to those that may have books assigned to in the canon. When reading Heschel, I was reminded of the isolation and loneliness of the ancient biblical prophets. Loneliness is something most people face at one time or another in their life. However, how can it be any differently for the ancient prophets? These individuals’ relationship with GOD was different and hard to explain. On page 30, Heschel wrote the following: “The prophet is not a mouthpiece, but a person; not an instrument, but a partner, an associate of GOD. I am sure it was difficult to explain to wives, children and/or other

I do feel that I do not fit in or that I am hearing GOD on a different wave length or channel. Until I understood the prophecy gift of the Holy Spirit, this caused some disappoint and difficulty for me. As with the ancient prophets I tend to see things in black and white. I have very few gray areas where GOD and the Scriptures are concerned. My tendency towards absolutes will not allow me to be swayed by emotions. This gift promotes the need to be truthful. I have learned that regardless how soft the truth is spoken, it will not always be welcomed; therefore, I have been accused of being insensitive or hard in my manner. I can also appear to have little or no sympathy and patience. Although this might appear as being judgmental to some; but, for me, I do not have a choice; but, to speak. I have to admit that there are times; I wish I could just keep my mouth closed; but, I cannot. To observe or discern sin and say nothing, of itself, is

After all, the Bible has indicated that there were other prophets besides those of the Hebrews. In the book of 1 Kings, Elijah battles with the prophets of Baal. Also, in the Book of Numbers, we read about a prophet called Balaam who was paid to curse Israel. The prophets in the Ancient Near East appeared to be closely associated with the court of the King or Ruler and operated similar to the Hebrew prophets. However, these ANE prophets’ oracles were focused on communicating divine support for the King or Ruler. Disapproving oracles usually resulted in ceremonies and rituals that would appeased the