Singing Prophet
Yahweh tell Ezekiel that he is a singer or a musician who entertains Judah with his sensual song. His song seduces them to listen, but they won’t do what Ezekiel tells them to do (Ezekiel 33:32-33).
John and Jesus are also singing prophets, though their tunes are different. John sings a dirge, Jesus plays a flute for dancing (Matthew 11:17).
All prophets are musicians. But hearing a prophet isn’t enough. Appreciating a prophet isn’t enough. When a prophet sings or plays, the hearers are supposed to do something. When a prophet sings, we’re supposed to pick up his rhythms, timbre, and melody, and dance.
Prophetic song orders the dance of communal life.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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