Prophetic Actions Without Explicit Divine Sanction/1/en

Prophetic Actions Without Explicit Divine Sanction

Introduction

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Prophetic autonomy?

How much autonomy does a prophet have to act on his own initiative?  Must he consult with Hashem regarding his every deed, lest he veer from the Divine will, or may he proceed even without Divine sanction?  Can he declare a miracle on his own, and expect that nature will be overturned at his word?  These questions are raised by the many instances where prophets seem to act, and even declare supernatural phenomena, without having previously received a Divine directive to do so :

• Moshe and the Plagues – In Shemot 8, Moshe tells Paroh to sets a time for the plague of frogs to end, promising that it will terminate as requested.¹ No where, though, does the text share that Hashem directed him to do so. How, then, could he be certain that Hashem really wanted the plague to end, and that He would agree to do so?  
• Moshe and Meat – In Shemot 16, in the aftermath of the nation's complaints, Hashem promises to provide them with bread. When speaking to the people, however, Moshe adds that Hashem will provide them not only with bread, but also with meat. Only afterwards, do we read of Hashem speaking of meat as well.
• Moshe and Korach – During Korach's rebellion, Moshe independently devises the incense test to see whom God has chosen (Bemidbar 16:1-7), and later declares that the rebellions' leaders will die an unnatural death. How could Moshe trust that Hashem would agree to his test, or acquiesce to bring a miracle on his demand?
• Moshe and the Petition of Reuven and Gad –
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¹ See also the similar cases in Shemot 8:25-27 and Shemot 9:29-33 where Moshe announces to Paroh, seemingly on his own, when the plagues of arov and hail will end.