Prophecy as a Parable or as a Reality

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1. The Vision of the Dry Bones

   Dr. Tova Ganzel

   God’s status and His power stand at the center of Yehezkel's prophecy. The nation’s past, present and future is clarified by its relationship with God. Indeed, from the prophet's perspective it is altogether possible that not a single survivor of the nation will remain. Therefore, for the observer of the vision of the dry bones the outcome is not clear. The prophet therefore has no indication as to the future of these dry bones based on prior knowledge or principles such as the covenant, the merit of the forefathers, desecration of God’s Name, or the like. The answer will depend only on God’s own decision.

   The description in the book of Yirmitahu of human bones that are strewn outside of their graves expresses more than just the great number of deaths during the years of siege and destruction. The withholding of burial dishonors the dead, and the removal of bones from their burial place likewise shows contempt. In light of this, Yehezkel’s encounter with a valley full of bones may testify to the disgrace of the people, and not necessarily to its future revival. How will the situation develop?  That depends entirely on God.

   What unfolds is a slow process of rebirth that is realized in stages. Whether the description in the book of Yehezkel is of an actual occurrence or an allegory, it is clear that in the Jewish national consciousness, this prophecy remains timeless. For our generation, seeing the establishment and prospering of the State of Israel after the horror of the Holocaust, this consciousness of the redemption being bound together with the vision of dry bones is greatly amplified.

    

2. The Prophecies of Amos: Oracles against the Nations

   Shiur #03

   Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom

   תאריך פרסום: 5778 |

   In this chapter, we will introduce Amos’s famous prophecies against the surrounding nations, which make up the first twenty verses and comprise a “set-up” for his prime audience in Shomeron. Amos delivers oracles against Aram, Peleshet, Tzor, Edom, Ammon and Moav, then Yehuda before zeroing in on Yisrael.  Why does Amos deliver prophecies foretelling punishment specifically to these nations? Why does he not mention Assyria or Egypt, two major (and threatening) superpowers? What is his prophetic purpose, and what is the nature of these "prophecies to the nations?" 

   Looking at the map, we see that as the people of Israel hear the prophecies of doom for their enemies, they feel some relief. And then they realize that they are being entrapped instead of protected, and destruction is looming closer and closer.