A short Insight into SHMUEL 1, Chapter 3 By Rabbi Nisson Dov Miller

Rav Hai Gaon (Teshuvos Hagaonim) responded to a question that was asked of him about the distinction between true prophecy and sorcery. He responded, “That which you asked regarding the difference between actual prophecy and sorcery [is clear]...” Sorcery is only found in things that: A) happen as part of the natural world order or B) people can make them. However, a sign of a prophecy through which a prophet can prove himself as an agent of Hashem must have two ingredients. If one of them is missing he will not be called a proven prophet. The first ingredient that is required in a sign from someone who claims prophecy is that the feat that he claims will legitimize him as a prophet is a feat that goes against the world order. The sign can not be simply that it will rain at 2 pm on January 31, 2010 in Yeruhalayim. Similarly, the claim can not be that there will be a record crop of oranges this harvest. If it is something that is part of the “minhag ha'olam” - the way the world works, even if it is a rare occurrence, there is no proof that the person is an authentic navi.