Yahweh tell Ezekiel that he is a singer or a musician who entertains Judah with his sensual song. His song seduces them to listen, but they won’t do what Ezekiel tells them to do (Ezekiel 33:32-33).

John and Jesus are also singing prophets, though their tunes are different. John sings a dirge, Jesus plays a flute for dancing (Matthew 11:17).

All prophets are musicians. But hearing a prophet isn’t enough. Appreciating a prophet isn’t enough. When a prophet sings or plays, the hearers are supposed to do something. When a prophet sings, we’re supposed to pick up his rhythms, timbre, and melody, and dance.

Prophetic song orders the dance of communal life.