Pisqa’ 176¹

1

“According to all you asked from HASHEM my God at Horeb” (Dt.18:16)—

with this request

they became worthy of having prophets arise for them,

[as it is said:]

“I wish no longer to hear the voice of HASHEM my God!” (Dt.18:16)—

[but, rather, His message through prophecy]!

2

“Then HASHEM said to me: their words are indeed well-chosen” (Dt.18:17)—

sharing, [as they do,] My opinion!

“I will raise up for them a prophet” (Dt.18:18)—

indeed, you learn from this that,

as a reward for their awe,

they became worthy of having prophets arise for them.²

“And I shall place my words in his mouth” (Dt.18:18)—

 

My words will I place in his mouth,

but I will not speak to him face to face

[as I do with Moses].³

3

Another word:

“And I shall place my words in his mouth” (Dt.18:18)—

from now on, be aware that

the Spirit of the Holy One is placed in the mouths of the prophets.

“And he will declare to them” (Dt.18:18)—

with no need to appoint a translator.⁴

“Whatever I shall command him” (Dt.18:18)—

he will explain primary points first,

And secondary points later.⁵

1. H:202; JN2:54.
2. //Mechilta Ishmael, bakhodesh, 9. Cf. Mechilta Shimon-Nelson, bakhodesh, p.253.
3. This material, lacking in most sources for Sifre, has a loose parallel at SZ, beha`alotecha, 11:8.
4. Heb: turgeman.
5. //M. Av.5:7. The prophet will anticipate the method of the rabbinic disciple.