Is Kant among the Prophets? Hebrew Prophecy and German Historical Thought, 1880–1920

Abstract This article examines the interpretation of Hebrew prophecy by German Protestant scholars in era 1880–1920. It argues, first, that Old Testament interpreters valued prophets since they presented God as guiding force behind human history and, second, these theologians cum philologians saw prophetic conception anticipating their own understanding world. The inquiry bases this argument on a reading numerous exegetes, both leading lights and forgotten figures. Moreover, it traces interpretative tendency across range sources, including specialist studies, theological monthlies, political literary journals, popular works, public speeches, pedagogical literature. Rather than leave past, exegetes also ushered them into present, employing historical teachings to shore up Christian faith. In doing so, identified with Protestantism contrast Judaism.