Big Ideas · 26 · Prophet and Priest
From 'Fear not, O king' to 'Hear, all you people'
Assyrian prophecies reassure the king: 'Fear not! I am Ishtar of Arbela, I will flay your enemies.' Biblical prophets address the whole nation, and often condemn the king.
Prophecy shifted from palace to people.
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'My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,' says Hosea. Court prophets 'heal the wound of my people lightly, saying peace, peace, when there is no peace,' says Jeremiah. The audience is the nation, not the throne.
Bible reference: Hosea 4:6; Jeremiah 6:14
Source: Why the Bible Began, pp. 412–414
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