Pisqa’ 831
1
“If there arises among you a prophet . . . saying:
Let us follow after other gods . . . do not listen to the words of that prophet” (Dt.13:2-4).
Just as Moses
introduced his prophecies with:
“Thus said HASHEM” (Ex.5:1),
so, too, other [would-be] prophets will proclaim:
“Thus said HASHEM”2
Just as Moses
delivered part [of the prophecy] and fulfilled part of it,
so, too, other [would-be] prophets will
deliver part and fulfill part.
Just as Moses
spoke in general terms
and provided their particulars,
so, too, other [would-be] prophets will speak in general terms
and provide their particulars.
Or [perhaps we can reason as follows]:
just as Moses was an Elder,
and eighty years old,
and Amram’s son,
is it possible to say that
other [would-be] prophets [must meet these criteria] as well?
[Of course not!]
For the Teaching states:
“A prophet” (Dt.13:2)—
[who] in any way
[imitates Moses’ prophetic criteria is suspect].
2
“Or a dreamer of dreams” (Dt.13:2).
Inferring from what is stated of Moses:
“Mouth to mouth do I speak with him” (Nu.12:8)—
[the Holy One spoke to Moses without the mediation of dreams].
Is it possible to say that
other [would-be] prophets will claim this as well?
The Teaching states:
“Or a dreamer of dreams” (Dt.13:2)3—
[thus, we ignore a prophet
claiming dream-oracles as his authority].
“Among you” (Dt,13:2)—
you includes a woman [claiming prophetic authority].
“And he shows you a sign” (‘ot; Dt.13:2)—
in the Heavens.
And so He says
[of the heavenly lights]:
“And they shall serve as signs” (‘otot; Gn.1:14).
“Or a prodigious deed” (Dt.13:2)—on earth.
And so He says:
“If there is dew on the fleece alone,
and all the earth around it is dry” (Jud.6:37)—
what does He say next ?
“Then God did it” (Jud.6:40)!