September 1, 2022 / 5 Elul, 5782 • Parshat Shoftim
Issue 733
Dedicated in loving memory of Mrs. Miriam Friedman

G-d, your G-d, will appoint a prophet for you
from among you, from your brothers, like
me. You must hearken to him.

Deuteronomy 18:15


Formal prophecy – G-d’s direct communication with human beings – ceased with the final prophets, Zechariah, Haggai, and Malachi. Nonetheless, G-d has promised us that in the Messianic future, prophecy will not only return but be commonplace: “After this, I will pour out My spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your elders will dream dreams; your youths will see visions.”

The gift of prophecy was and will be given to those who refine themselves spiritually, particularly through carefully observing the Torah’s commandments. Spiritual self-refinement both opens us up to Divine inspiration and enables us to focus on G-d undistractedly.

Thus, by enhancing our observance of G-d’s commandments and expanding our knowledge of His ways through the study of His Torah, particularly its inner dimension, we can prepare ourselves to receive the gift of prophecy in the Messianic future.

—from Daily Wisdom