Jacob as ‘the prophet’ in Nahmanides’ commentary

Abstract

This article is part of a series of studies that examines Nahmanides’ use of rhetorical devices in the design of his Torah commentary. It addresses Nahmanides’ use of epithets for biblical characters. Nahmanides scarcely uses a consistent epithet for one character; therefore an intensive and consistent repetition of a specific epithet calls for special attention on the part of the reader. The epithet ‘the prophet’ is used twelve times in reference to Jacob in Nahmanides’ exegesis. Moreover, Nahmanides emphasizes Jacob’s prophetic skill and his unique virtue as a prophet, a theme entirely absent from his commentary on the Abraham and Isaac narratives. This study brings to light the theological significance of the epithet ‘the prophet’ with regard to Jacob’s character.