The Prince of the Prophets: Ideal Leadership in Moses, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel
The Prince of the Prophets: Ideal Leadership in Moses, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel When reading the Hebrew Bible, the term “Prince” often raises questions for modern readers. Some assume it points to a singular messianic figure like Jesus, but the original context paints a different picture: the “Prince” is usually an idealized human leader who embodies faithful governance, justice, and restoration for Israel. Moses’ Prophecy of a King The idea of a future leader isn’t unique to the exilic prophets. Moses already envisioned a leader who would guide Israel: Deuteronomy 17:14–20 describes a future king who must follow God’s law, avoid excess, and lead with wisdom. This prophecy sets the template for righteous leadership: the king is human, covenant-bound, and accountable. The later prophetic “Prince” figures in Jeremiah and Ezekiel can be seen as idealized realizations of Moses’ vision, adapted to periods of exile and national crisis. Jeremiah’s Prince In Jeremiah 30:21, we read: “Their ruler ...