Daily Divinity Questions and Answers with Witness Dingani

QN "Israel prophets used symbolic actions to deliver their messages" Examine this view .To what extent are the Zimbabwean prophets using the same act to deliver their messages? (25) -pt 27

OVERVIEW
In order for one to execute the above question you must have detailed information about symbolic actions & prophets In other words this means that you should highlight the Key Words or ask yourself different fundamental questions. For instance
~What are the symbolic actions?
~Which prophet used symbolic actions?
~Why did they use symbolic actions ?
~What's the difference between symbolic actions and other ways of delivering messages?
~Are the Zimbabwean prophets using symbolic actions?

COMMENTS
Israel true prophets and false prophets used symbolic actions .This include the following prophets.
~Ahijah of Shiloah
~Hosea
~Jeremiah
~Isaiah of Jerusalem
~Hannaniah*
~Zedekiah*

®In Zimbabwean context, it has been suggested that the following prophets used or uses symbolic actions to deliver their messages.

~Johane Masowe
~Magaya
~Samuel Mutendi
~Eubert Angel

B Vawter define symbolic action as signs that look beyond themselves to other realities.

One should note that there are different types of symbolic actions but in this case it is not prudent for the writer to explain unnecessary topics or challenging words.

N.B The writer Arthur Marara in his Old Testament Questions and Answers book wrote the same question. In other words this means that you have to get your copy and have more information .

ANSWERS
®The prophet Ahijah of Shiloah used a symbolic action in order for him to divide Israel into 12 tribes ,remember prior the event Israel was not divided .Ahijah as a prophet tore his new garment into 12 pieces and gave some pieces to Jeroboam. This is indicated in 1 Kings 11:29-33.

®Hosea used his marriage to deliver the message to the Israelites, Hosea married woman of loose morals (Gomer) ,and they went on to have 3 children ;they were given symbolic names .This is indicated in Hosea 1-3.

®During the Assyrian campaign against Ashdad Isaiah walked barefooted and naked as a sign indicating that one day the Assyrian King would lead the people to hard life ,this is supported by Isaiah 20:3.
®The symbolic names of Isaiah children .Isaiah 7&8.

®Jeremiah's ministry was overcrowded by dramatisation. For instance
~refrained from communal activities .Jeremiah 16:1
~ buying and hiding waist cloth .Jeremiah 13:1
~pottery's potter .Jeremiah 18:1
~broken flask.Jeremiah 19:1
~carrying yoke bars  "jogwe in Ndebele language" .Jeremiah 27:1
~buying of Anathoth field .Jeremiah 32:6

N.B Look for the meanings of the above symbolic actions

HOWEVER PART
®Israel prophets used other ways to deliver their messages.
~word plays.
~messanger style of speech.
~miracles.

IN ZIMBABWEAN CONTEXT
®It has been suggested that Zimbabwean prophets uses symbolic actions
.For instance
~®Eubert Angel drives expensive cars and wears expensive clothes
symbolising the gospel of prosperity.

~®Magaya usually wears sandals during evening services ,it has been concluded that he will be symbolising his humbleness.
-One of the kids of Magaya has been named "Yadah" this might be symbolic but the meaning is silent since the parents haven't explained it to the church.

®~It has been further suggested that changing of the name of Johane Masowe from Shoniwa Masedza might be symbolic but the meaning is silent.

®~During the Smith regime it is believed that Samuel Mutendi walked almost 200km barefooted.This might be a symbolic name but it is of great value to note that the meaning is silent.

N.B One should note that the following things act as a bar to the prophets in order for them to perform symbolic actions
~Time frame
~audience

HOWEVER PART
Zimbabwean prophets uses other ways to deliver their messages. For instance
~parables
~messanger style of speech

DEMANDS OF THE QUESTION
Justify the view that Israel prophets used symbolic actions. Show the extent about Zimbabwean prophets.

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