Expert: Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner - 1/4/2011

Question
My question is about the nature,or, person of the prophets. I have recently finished reading the Prophet Ezekiel, and am deeply struck by how sad and hard his life must have been. Chapter 4 verse 4-6, is just one example. And then God tells Ezekiel that 'the beauty of his eye will be taken'(his wife) and he must not cry or eat the bread of mourning.
I realize that this all has meaning to the prophecies, but I am wondering about the man Ezekiel himself.
What is the nature of a prophet that they can know what is coming,and not flinch in their duty.
The circumstances that these men lived with would have caused many of us to develop deep psychological problems. The rejection and alienation alone would have been depressing.
Please shed some light and share your opinion..Many Thanks

Answer
Dear Eve,
Thank you for writing and I am answering although I am not qualified to truly answer your question. This analysis of a human psyche from the texts transmitted to us in multiple languages in various editions is far beyond my education.
There are Jewish Biblical Scholars who have written about the prophets somewhat in the vein you describe, and I would refer you to their works.
I would suggest in particular:
1. The Personhood of God: Biblical Theology, Human Faith and the Divine Image by Yochanan Muffs and David Hartman (Feb 2009)  
2. Love and Joy: Law, Language, and Religion in Ancient Israel (Jewish Theological Seminary of America) by Yochanan Muffs and Thorkild Jacobsen
3. The JPS Bible Commentary: Haftarot (English and Hebrew Edition) by Michael Fishbane (Jun 2002)
4. Sacred Attunement: A Jewish Theology by Michael Fishbane (Oct 15, 2010)
5. The volume on Ezekiel published by the Soncino Press
Alternatively, contact the Reference Desk of the Library of The Jewish Theological Seminary of America, whose staff is unusually dedicated and talented.
Good luck in your studies. I wish I could have been of more assistance
Rabbi Dov