The Sunday News
Witness Dingani
Question
Compare and Contrast the ways which Amos used to convey the message with that of Zimbabwean prophets (25)
COMMENT OVERVIEW
THE above question demands students to focus on the methods which were used by Amos the prophet, who prophesied during the days of Jeroboam the second (Amos 7:10). The prophet used various ways to deliver his message. It is prudent to remember that Amos prophesied during the days of prosperous, this is according to Professor Roy, perhaps in the 8th Century.
In Zimbabwean context, the writer will focus on the following prophets:
(a) Madzibaba Wimbo (b) W Magaya (c) E Makandiwa (d) The Apple prophet “Fodrick” (e) The Spectacle prophet (f) Uebert Angel (g) Professor Guti
The following essay seeks to compare and contrast the ways which Amos used to convey the message with that of Zimbabwean prophets:
SUGGESTED ANSWERS
Amos used rhetoric questions to deliver the message, this is true in the case of Amos 3: 3-7. “Do two walk together, unless they have made an appointment.” Constable, page 23 notes that the reason why Amos used the rhetoric questions was perhaps he wanted Israelites to understand the next coming inevitable destruction. In Zimbabwean context, rhetoric questions cannot be separated from the Zimbabwean prophets. The challenge in Zimbabwean context, the audience sometimes fails to understand the message which prophets will be delivering at that particular time, thus the message will be meaningless to the audience.
Basing on the above, it is clear that there are similarities between Amos and Zimbabwean prophets where the use of rhetoric questions is concerned as a way of delivering the message.
Amos used oracular formula to deliver the message to the Israelites, perhaps he wanted the Israelites to believe that indeed Amos was divinely inspired. This is evidenced in Amos 2: 6 “Thus says the Lord”. In Zimbabwean context, number of so many prophets for instance Makandiwa, Angel, Wimbo claim to be the messengers of Gods. This is evidenced by the use of messenger style of speech “Thus says the Lord” some even use the vernacular language “Mwari ati/uNkulunkulu uthe”. As such, one will be left with no choice but to conclude that there are similarities between Amos and the above Zimbabwean prophets when the use of oracular formula is concerned as a way of delivering the message.
Amos used a song to deliver the message. In order for Amos to deliver his message of doom used a song “funeral dirge” perhaps wanted to give the Israelites an image of the day of the Lord, this is recorded in Amos 5: 2 “Fallen no more to rise”. This has been supported by Dr Constable who submitted that dirge was a song which was sung at funeral’s friend.In Zimbabwe context, the TV stations have broadcasted number of so many local prophets singing during the church service, for instance Miracle TV once broadcas Major Provovo man of Style Uebert Angel singing in tongues, he spent 10 minutes in singing. Perhaps he was delivering the message using a song. The challenge which was faced by the audience and viewers was getting the meaning of the message. (The point is that he used a song to deliver the message). All this indicates that there are similarities between Amos and Zimbabwean prophets in delivering the message as the writer highlighted above .
NB: More points can be added.
HOWEVER PART
As much as there are similarities between Amos and Zimbabwean prophets on how they deliver the message, one will be totally short sighted if the author ignores the other side of the coin which shows that there are differences. For instance, Zimbabwean prophets like Wimbo, it is believed that they also use stories as a way of delivering the message, this was even published by Bulawayo24.com on 25 June 2016. “He would just pretend to be telling a story and often we would realise it was a prophecy when things he would have said begin to happen”, said his son Abinashen Gomo. (You can follow this link for more information <http://bulawayo24.com/news/national/93127>). It is not recorded that Amos used stories as a way of delivering the message, therefore, one will be left with no choice but to suggest that there are also differences between Amos and Zimbabwean prophets when ways of delivering messages are concerned.
A number of prophets nowadays uses TV stations, radio stations, social networks, stickers, pamphlets and magazines. (Add the examples). It is not recorded that Amos used stories as a way of delivering the message, therefore, one will be left with no choice but to suggest that there are also differences between Amos and Zimbabwean prophets where ways of delivering messages are concerned.
QUESTION DEMANDS
Compare and Contrast
-Witness Dingani is an author, motivational speaker, columnist, youth coach, public speaker, radio host and cricketer and a member of Chain Support Foundation Counselling Company. He is the founder of charity organisation “Dingani Charity Organisation”. In 2016 he was voted the most influential youthful figures in Zimbabwe and was voted on the 8th position out of 15 people by the Pan-Zimbabwe Society. A-level Divinity questions by schools can be submitted through his mobile number +263777896159 or Email address : [email protected]
