This paper is a study of the process of revelation, religious ectasy and dedication by which the Prophets of the Old Testament acquired the conviction that they were the spokesmen of God. Using the consecrations of Samuel, Isaiah and Ezekiel as examples, the process is described as a temporary schizophrenoid reaction, in which ambivalence to a paternal super-ego figure is dealt with by withdrawal of object libido and regression to narcissistic identification with fusion of ego and super-ego cathexes. By submission to the will of God the Father the prophet becomes identified with him and shares in his omnipotence. Whereas the schizophrenic tries in vain to re-establish his contact with objects by involving his fellow men in his delusions, the prophet succeeds, since his message corresponds to a deep emotional reality of his time. As a result, the people instal him as their collective ego-ideal, thereby completing his consecration.