The question of prophetism in the Torah

Abstract

Already the early rabbinic tradition confirms the presence of the archetype of the prophets in the biblical image of Moses. In the collection of 'laws' for public offices (Dt 16:18−18:22) in the Deuteronomic Code (Dt 12−26), the central place is occupied by the 'Laws' of the King (Dt 17:14−20) and the Prophet (Dt 18:9−22). This legal recognition of the Office of the Prophet among other public offices, unprecedented in ancient Near Eastern legislation, expresses the uniqueness of Israelite prophecy. The importance of this phenomenon is noted in relation to the contemporary political structures and the Code of Canon Law.