Ezra, Esther, and Daniel

Abstract

This article focuses on the texts of Ezra-Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel. One notable commonality between them is prophecy’s virtual absence. This is curious in light of prophecy’s utility, specifically, as an epistemological tool to convey knowledge about the Deity and the Deity’s will. How did these three texts deal with the epistemological vacuum left in prophecy’s absence? Certain common beliefs and practices emerge in these texts regarding means of determining the divine will: first, a belief in Torah and its pedagogues to guide the people toward right action and therefore away from punishment; second, a belief in individual prayer as the way to interact directly with God and possibly persuade the divine mind to act within the world; third, a Heilsgeschichte affirming that God continues to be a God of salvation; and fourth, a theology of punishment which does not require consultation with a prophet.