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In his book The Prophets, Abraham Joshua Heschel describes the unique aspect of the Jewish prophets as compared to other similar figures.

Whereas other nations have soothsayers and diviners who attempt to discover the will of their gods, according to Heschel the Hebrew prophets are characterized by their experience of what he calls theotropism — God turning towards humanity.

Heschel argues for the view of Hebrew prophets as receivers of the " Divine Pathos ," of the wrath and sorrow of God over his nation that has forsaken him.

In this view, prophets do not speak for God so much as they remind their audience of God's voice for the voiceless, the poor and oppressed.