Invoking Hashem's Name Without Explicit Divine Sanction/2
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Speaking in the Name of Hashem Without Divine Sanction
Exegetical Approaches
Acting Upon Hashem's Words
Even where Hashem's speech is not mentioned in the verses it can be assumed that whatever a prophet says or does in His name, did in fact stem from His command. This position subdivides regarding whether or not Hashem must explicitly direct the prophet or whether the prophet may intuit Hashem's desire from hints and allusions.
Explicit Command
A prophet speaks and acts on direct commands of Hashem.
Sources:Shemot Rabbah 13:4?, Lekach Tov, Rashbam, R. Yosef Bekhor Shor, R. Avraham b. HaRambam, Ramban, Abarbanel, R. David Zvi Hoffmann
Prophetic Autonomy
- No autonomy – Extremists in this position might assert that a prophet has no autonomy to act on his own at all. In all cases he must do only as commanded.
"הַנָּבִיא אֲשֶׁר יָזִיד לְדַבֵּר דָּבָר בִּשְׁמִי אֵת אֲשֶׁר לֹא צִוִּיתִיו"
"מֵקִים דְּבַר עַבְדּוֹ"
Why isn't Hashem's command stated?
Biblical Cases
Acting without invoking Hashem
Moshe versus other prophets
Implicit Command
A prophet might understand Hashem's will from only indirect comments or suggestions and can apply Hashem's commands from one situation to another.
Acting on Own
A prophet, at times, will speak or act on his own initiative and nonetheless attribute the action to Hashem's command.
Sources:Pesikta DeRav Kahana, Shemot Rabbah, Tanchuma (Buber), Chizkuni, Avvat Nefesh, R. Yosef Albo, Seforno, Malbim, Cassuto
