ABSTRACT
The consecration of the prophet is a temporary schizophrenoid abandonment of reality and withdrawal of object libido. Such withdrawal of object libido characterizes the creative efforts of artists is well known. The experience that Jacob A. Arlow describes is typical not only of what he calls the consecration of the prophet, but of the hysterical trance state in general. Recorded in the Old Testament are several passages of vivid imagery and terrifying magnificence portraying the consecration of the prophets. Fortunately, the records of the consecrations of Samuel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel are fairly well-integrated literary units and appear to have suffered relatively less from contradictory distortions and additions than do other sections of the Old Testament; however, no unequivocal stand can be maintained concerning their textual accuracy. The withdrawal of object libido from the external world during consecration was experienced by Ezekiel not only psychically but also physically.
