Prophecy and “the Torah is spoken in the language of men”
Hello Rabbi Michi,
How do you relate to Leibowitz’s opinion that the prophecies in Isaiah, Ezekiel, Malachi, etc. about the future redemption do not come to announce a future event but rather a task that is incumbent upon man to fulfill? In other words, do you think the rule “speak the Torah in the language of men” applies to the entire Bible beyond the first five books (Torah)?
All the best,
I don’t know the exact quote, but what you brought here is nonsense. Prophets do not assign tasks but prophesy, whether they like it or not, whether they are believed or not.
The rule that the Torah spoke like the language of humans is apparently controversial (RA and Rish). But as a rule, this is certainly a possible way of referring to any book of the Torah. Although here I do not see why the suggestion of Isaiah III is related to the rule that the Torah spoke like the language of humans. To the best of my understanding, it is not related. According to all opinions, there are metaphors and similes and other complex ways of expression throughout the Bible.
If I may add a few words.
Personally, I believe that the Rambam spoke the Torah in the language of humans – to understand the listeners!
This is a necessary thing because without it it is impossible to speak or convey a message.
And there is no point if something is conveyed to us that we do not understand? Especially since we acknowledge and accept that the Torah gave us rules to analyze every problem and law that will arise in the future.
Regarding the prophecies - the strange ones in the Torah – sometimes they were said in paraphrase - but it is clear to everyone that there is a message behind them and most of the time the message is explained. So the suggestion is also correct here regarding the context that can stem from a repetition ” It holds because even when speaking in parables the message is supposed to get across. Somehow. Demonstrations are conveyed better in this way.
Your Honor, you misrepresented your words because from the beginning what did you think the task that was given to man (someone) from the prophecies of the end times would be? Tell us and we will investigate it!
Rabbi Michi
Can I innocently ask why you often mention disputes from the Tan'anim/Amoraim/etc. if there is already a decision on this?
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