Keywords
African cultural heritage
intermediaries
prophecies
ancient Israel
Old Testament
Shona
spirit medium
vadzimu/svikiro
intermediaries
prophecies
ancient Israel
Old Testament
Shona
spirit medium
vadzimu/svikiro
How to Cite
Rugwiji, T. (2025). An Investigation of Old Testament Prophecy from an African Cultural Heritage Perspective. Old Testament Essays, 38(2), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.17159/2312-3621/2025/v38n2a9
Abstract
Intermediaries who convey messages between humans and the divine are common across cultures. This study examines Old Testament prophecy from a Shona perspective, comparing ancient Israelite prophets with Shona spirit mediums (mudzimu/svikiro), who mediate communication with Mwari (God). Both traditions suggest that direct contact with the divine required a chosen intermediary. The study addresses: (1) the functions of prophets in ancient Israel, and (2) the functions of spirit mediums in Shona society, using a literary-rhetorical approach to show that prophecy is not exclusive to Israel but also present in Shona beliefs.
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