Mitzvah #9
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To Listen to the Prophet speaking in G‑d’s Name (Deuteronomy 18:15)
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Category: Positive
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Definition: To follow the directions of a true prophet. |
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Reason: Not everyone can reach the level of prophet and not every generation merits to have prophets among them (see Details). When G‑d does speak to a prophet, one needs to accept his words.
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Who/When/Where? · Must be kept by men and women · In any time and place that we have a prophet among us
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How do I keep it? ü Do what the prophet says to do. ü Do not do what the prophet tells you not to do ü The above applies even if the instruction temporarily uproots a Mitzvah of the Torah, except idol worship which cannot be uprooted even temporarily. For example- If a prophet tells you in the name of G‑d to transgress this Shabbat, you must listen. If he says to stop keeping Shabbat forever then we know he is a false prophet. ü A prophet who determines halachic decisions based on “prophecy” is also a false prophet.
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ü One of the fundamental principles of our faith is to believe that G‑d speaks to human beings. ü To receive prophecy, a person must be well versed in Torah, have strength of character- control over one’s desires and never falling to temptation, have keen perception and be physically healthy. When a person with these qualities delves into the wisdom of the upper realms as well as constantly acts in a holy manner it is possible for them to reach prophesy-G‑d will speak to them. ü More details can be found at the end of Tractate Sanhedrin.
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Consequences: One who does not follow what the prophet says, or a prophet who does not give over the intended prophesy receives Misah biday shomayim- premature death.
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Chassidic Perspective: Commandments given through prophecy vs. Mitzvot written in the Torah: G‑d ‘wrote Himself into’ the Torah and ‘put Himself into’ the Mitzvot, so to speak. The Torah and Mitzvot are an expression of G‑d Himself. Like G‑d, the Torah and Mitzvot are eternal, never changing, and apply under all circumstances. Prophecy, on the other hand, is the command of G‑d to a specific person or people; in a specific time; and under specific circumstances. Each prophecy comes to guide those people according to the necessities of that time, for the physical or spiritual benefit of the person/people to whom the prophecy was spoken. The virtue of Torah over prophecy is that they are eternal, like G‑d Himself. Prophecy, though, is more internalized. Since Torah and Mitzvot are ‘higher than the world’, above the limitations of the world, they do not change. Prophecy is for the benefit of individuals according to their changing needs. When you listen to a prophet you have both advantages- It is for your specific needs and it is a Mitzvah, transcending the limitations of this world. (לקו"ש חלק י"ט פ' שופטים ג' ע'182 והלאה)
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