Prophecy
en
The distinction between a true prophet and a false prophet lies in 'yirat shamayim' (fear of heaven). Rabbi Akiva taught that the verse 'Et Hashem Elokecha tira' includes respect for Torah scholars — and that scholars themselves must fear God. In principle, all humans could be prophets, just as all plants could have been animals. The mystery of Balaam's speaking donkey illustrates that all creation was given toward the aim of the Absolute.