Out of the words of the prophets came new concepts that enriched the Jewish tradition and ultimately Western civilization, including a notion of universalism and a yearning for social justice. Although the Jews’ religious practices gave them a sense of separateness from other peoples, the prophets transcended this by embracing a concern for all humanity. All nations would someday come to the God of Israel: “All the earth shall worship you.” A universal community of all people under God would someday be established by Israel’s effort. This vision encompassed the elimination of war and the establishment of peace for all the nations of the world. In the words of the prophet Isaiah, “He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many people. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”


The prophets also cried out against social injustice. They condemned the rich for causing the poor to suffer, denounced luxuries as worthless, and warned of dire punishments for these sins. God’s command was to live justly, share with one’s neighbors, care for the poor and the unfortunate, and act with compassion. When God’s command was not followed, the social fabric of the community was threatened. These proclamations by Israel’s prophets became a source for Western ideals of social justice, even if they have never been perfectly realized.