The Sunday News
Divinity Digest, Witness Dingani
QUESTION: Israel prophets were architects of war and violence. Examine this view. To what extent are the Zimbabwean prophets involved in the same act? (25)
COMMENT OVERVIEW
What is an architect?
What is violence?
Which prophet planned the war in Israel?
This include prophets like:
1 Moses
2 Samuel
3 the 400 court prophets
4 Elisha
5 Elijah
In Zimbabwean context this include
1 Bishop Manango
2 Samuel Mutendi and Ezekiel Guti
The above fundamental points will be fully hammered below.
ANSWERS
During the exodus event, Moses as a prophet who was divinely inspired, played a number of prophetic duties. This includes performing miracles. He also went to the extent of fighting holy wars with Amalekites. This is evidenced in Exodus 17:9 “And Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose for us men, and go out, fight with Amalek; tomorrow . . .’” It has been submitted that while Israel was fighting Moses was standing on top of the mountain with Aaron with a rod, hence, he was praying for a victory. As a result Israel defeated the Amalekites (Amalek grandson of Esau). Scholar Thomas Constable in his Exodus notes page 104 paragraph 4 cites Josephus the early church father who submitted that no Hebrew died in this war but innumerable Amalekites perished. In other words this indicate that Moses can be regarded as an architect of this war basing on his contributions which the writer highlighted earlier.
Samuel, the man who had four offices, prophet being one of them championed holy wars. This is evidenced when he prayed and offered sacrifices in Mizpah, so that Yahweh would give Israel the strength to fight the Philistines. This is recorded in 1 Samuel 7:5-10. As a result the Israelites won the battle. Samuel as a prophet instituted a school of prophecy. The internal evidence reveal that Samuel was always standing as the head, this is indicated in 1 Samuel 19:20.
Scholar B.W Anderson submitted that the other role of sons of prophets was to champion holy wars, giving soldiers a patriotic feeling. This is also the reason why the guild was always stationed in garrisons. At this stage it is prudent to suggest that Samuel deserves to be regarded as the architect of this war basing on his contributions which the writer highlighted above .
The Mt Carmel contest is well known. Elijah advised Ahab to station his Baal prophets at Mt Carmel. During the contest the Baal prophets failed to bring fire while Elijah managed. As a result Elijah ended up butchering the Baal prophets and Asherah goddess. During this time Elijah was fighting for Yahwehism, this is further supported by the meaning of his name “Yahweh is my God”. At this stage what cannot be denied is that Elijah caused war and violence, hence Elijah can be regarded as an architect of war and violence.
NB: More examples can be added.
The However Part
As much as Israel prophets can be labelled architects of war and violence, one should note that there are some prophets who desired peace and prophetic careers with no violence, hence this means that Israel prophets do not totally deserve to be regarded as architects of war and violence. This is true in the case of Isaiah the prophet of Jerusalem who discouraged King Ahaz to join the Syro-Ephraimite alliance which was to defend Judah whenever Assyria wanted to attack the nation.
Therefore, Isaiah as a prophet knew that joining was going to cause war and violence. This disqualifies the view that Israel prophets do not totally deserve to be regarded as architects of war and violence.
The Zimbabwean Context
In Zimbabwean context a number of so many prophets can be labelled as the architect of war and violence, citing the “white church garment” who fought against the police in Budiriro 1, this was recorded by Newsday and ZBC on the 14th of May 2014 (The members of the sect could be heard shouting ordering others to kill claiming they were fighting a “holy war”) All this proves that Zimbabwean prophets can be regarded as architects of war and violence. The following link will help the reader to get full story (<http://www.herald.co.zw/latest-vapostori-beat-up-police/> encourage the readers to make use of local newspapers. Everyday they publish different stories which can be important to our subject.
Samuel Mutendi during the colonisation of Zimbabwe criticised this idea of whites. Some went on to influence Africans to reject colonisation, this is evidenced by the Smith regime arresting the named prophets because of their messages which were anti-colonial. In other words these prophets gave people an emotional spirit or nationalistic feeling. Hence, the Africans revolting, this is evidenced by the 1st Chimurenga. Credit can be given to the prophets, this has been further supported by Sam Mamvuru who submitted that the early prophets and traditionalist supported Africans during the colonisation. As such this proves to us that Zimbabwean prophets deserve to be regarded as the architect of war and violence.
N.B There are so many examples which can be added.
The However Part
As much as Zimbabwean prophets can be regarded as architects of war and violence, one should note that they don’t totally deserve to be regarded as architects of war and violence. For instance, Makandiwa during 2008 national elections spoke against violence. He advised people to have a spirit of brotherhood. He may have foreseen that there would be bloodshed as a result of anger during the campaigns. This indicates that Zimbabweans don’t totally deserve to be regarded as architects of war and violence. Makandiwa has been recorded by media to have been involved in anti-sanctions campaign on 1st March 2011, Makandiwa was advocating for peace during this campaign. The story was published by the national broadcaster, follow this link to get more information(<http://www.zbc.co.zw/news-categories/top-stories/6931-anti-sanctions-campaign-programme-released> “This will be followed by the singing of the . . . prayer led by United Family . . . Reverend Emmanuel Makandiwa . . . to 11 am, it will be time for solidarity messages . . . churches and traditional leaders.” The story was published on the 1st March 2011 20:38pm). This disqualifies the view that Zimbabwean prophets totally deserve to be regarded as architects of war and violence.
Question Demand
Examine the view showing the extent on the Zimbabwean context part.
Witness Dingani is an author, columnist, youth coach, radio host, cricketer. He is the founder of charity organisation Dingani Charity Organisation. In 2016 he was nominated as the most influential youthful figure in Zimbabwe and was voted on the 8th position out of 15 people by the Pan-Zimbabwe society. Questions by schools can be submitted through his mobile number +263777896159 or Email address: [email protected]. Readers can follow the Questions and Answers on Sunday News every week.
