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Prophecy

Levels of Prophecy

There are many different levels of prophecy. The level attained by Moses is unlike that of any other prophet.

What is the difference between Moses and all the other prophets? Rabbi Yehuda son of Rabbi Elai and the Rabbis disagreed on the matter. Rabbi Yehuda son of Rabbi Elai said: The other prophets would see a divine vision through nine crystals…and Moses would see through only one crystal, as it is stated: “And a vision that is not in riddles” (Numbers 12:8). And the Rabbis say: All other prophets would see through a murky crystal, as it is written: “[I spoke to the prophets, I proliferated visions] and granted imagery to the prophets” (Hosea 12:11)…whereas Moses would see through a polished crystal, as it is written: “And a picture of the Lord he will behold” (Numbers 12:8).

Rava said: Everything that the prophet Ezekiel saw, Isaiah saw as well. To what can Ezekiel be compared? To a villager who saw the king; and to what can Isaiah be compared? To a city dweller who saw the king. (Vayikra Rabba 1; Ĥagiga 13b)