Q&A: Prophecy
Prophecy
Question
Hello Rabbi,
In the book The History of the Jewish War with the Romans, attributed to Joseph ben Matityahu, there is a description of a prophecy made in front of many students, and the prophecy was fulfilled (chapter 1, page 13).
As is well known, that book is considered to have been written at the time the events were taking place, and the writer is presumably reliable.
Isn’t this fairly clear proof for Judaism?
Answer
I’m not familiar with the matter, but any such description requires examination. Even if it was written at the time of the events, errors can creep in. Even in reports that come today about miracles, failures and distortions occur.
Discussion on Answer
I read the passage.
It’s about a certain Essene named Judah, who prophesied before many students sitting at his feet that Antigonus was about to die at Straton’s Tower.
Afterward it turned out that Antigonus was killed in a place called Straton’s Tower.
The problem is that the author of this book (Josephus Flavius) claims that there was a man who prophesied in front of crowds of people. I too can claim that I saw a prophecy fulfilled in front of crowds of people. Maybe it’s just a game of “telephone,” and nothing like that ever happened?
And in general, why is this supposed to be proof of “Judaism”? Maybe it shows an ability to foresee the future—what does that have to do with religion?
Judah could also have caused Antigonus’s death in the way described in the prophecy just in order to “prove” his prophetic abilities. I really don’t see how his prophecy proves anything.
Aharon, maybe it would be worth bringing the text here so the discussion won’t be up in the air.