Nevua: A Message That Must Contract

Other prophets (nevi’im) do not receive the Divine word directly.

➡️ Revelation comes through a malach (angel)

Why?
Because Divine light is too intense to be perceived without mediation.

This “descent of levels” explains a central feature of prophecy:

➡️ Prophets perceive meshalim (parables), symbols, and images

Not because the message is inherently metaphorical, but because it must contract to become understandable.

---

The Absolute Exception: Moshe Rabbenu

The Torah describes Moshe Rabbenu with unique expressions:

“Peh el peh adabber bo” (Bemidbar 12:8)
“Panim el panim diber Hashem el Moshe” (Shemot 33:11)

Moshe Rabbenu:

• does not prophesy through a malach
• does not require parables
• does not receive riddles
• perceives the message clearly and directly

➡️ A lucid vision, without symbolic filters

---

Why Only Moshe Can Receive the Torah

This distinction is structural, not philosophical.

➡️ Only Moshe Rabbenu can bring down the Torah

Because the Torah is Divine revelation without intermediaries, and no other prophet reached that level of perception.

---

Fear Versus Stability in Prophecy

When other nevi’im receive prophecy:

• they tremble
• they are overwhelmed
• they lose physical stability

Moshe Rabbenu, by contrast:

➡️ Remains composed, conscious, present

Like one speaking with a trusted friend.

---

“On-Demand” Prophecy

Another decisive difference:

Other prophets

• must prepare
• isolate themselves
• elevate their state

Moshe Rabbenu ➡️ Is always ready

He can receive the Divine word whenever necessary.

An emblematic episode: the question of Pesach Sheni.
Moshe says:

➡️ “Stand, and I will hear what Hashem commands.”

A sign of continuous dialogue.

---

Permanent Separation

After Matan Torah:

• the people return to ordinary life
• even prophets return to physical existence

Moshe does not.

➡️ He remains in a constant state of connection

From this derives his permanent separation from his wife — a condition unique in history, not a general model.

---

The Radiant Face of Moshe

The Torah recounts that Moshe’s face emitted karnei or.

Rav Bekhor recalls the famous artistic misunderstanding:

• keren = ray
• but can also mean horn

➡️ Not horns, but rays of light

A symbol of total spiritual elevation.

---

Personal and Public Prophecy

The Rambam distinguishes two functions:

Personal prophecy
To deepen wisdom and understanding.

Prophecy for others
To guide, warn, or correct societies (example: Yonah and Ninveh).

---

Miracles Are Not Enough

A prophet may accompany his mission with:

➡️ Ot o mofet (sign or wonder)

But caution is essential:

➡️ Not everyone who performs miracles is a prophet

Illusion and deception exist.

---

Rambam’s Criteria for a True Prophet

A genuine prophet must be:

• great in Torah
• morally refined
• spiritually elevated
• detached from material drives

The miracle is only:

➡️ Reinforcement, not primary proof

---

When Must We Listen?

If a person appears worthy, coherent, and performs a sign:

➡️ The Torah commands us to listen

Suspicion without basis is not encouraged.

---

The Parallel With Witnesses

Just as with two witnesses:

➡️ Their testimony is accepted unless disproven

So too with a prophet who meets the necessary criteria.

---

“The Hidden Things Belong to Hashem”

Human beings judge what they see.

“HaNistarot laHashem Elokenu” (Devarim 29:28)

Hashem sees the heart:

“Man sees with the eyes, Hashem sees the heart.” (Shmuel I 16:7)

---

Prophecy in the Future

The prophets foretell an age when:

➡️ Young and old alike will prophesy

Not yet realized → interpreted as referring to the Messianic era.

---

Conclusion

The Rambam presents nevua as a precise system, not a vague mystical experience.

And establishes a cardinal principle:

➡️ Moshe Rabbenu is not merely “the greatest prophet”
➡️ He is an entirely distinct category

From this flows the unique and unrepeatable authority of the Torah.

Toward a future in which humanity will once again be capable of receiving Divine light.

Bimheirah beyameinu, with Mashiach. Amen.