Meaning: The quote "There was nothing then but the revelation of the spirit-of God that could make any of the Israelites understand and believe that he was their proper Messiah" by Elias Hicks, a prominent Quaker minister, addresses the idea that the recognition of the Messiah by the Israelites was dependent on the revelation of the spirit of God. This quote reflects the theological perspective of Elias Hicks, who was known for his emphasis on the inner light or spirit as the primary guide to religious truth.

Elias Hicks (1748-1830) was a prominent figure in the Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers. He was known for his outspoken views on the importance of individual spiritual experience and his opposition to formalized religious doctrine and hierarchy. Hicks believed that all individuals had the capacity to directly experience and understand the divine through the inner light or spirit. This emphasis on personal revelation and spiritual experience was central to his theology and informed his interpretation of religious texts and traditions.

In the context of the quote, Hicks is highlighting the idea that the recognition of the Messiah by the Israelites was not solely dependent on external signs or prophetic interpretations, but rather on the inward revelation of the spirit of God. This aligns with Hicks' broader emphasis on the primacy of spiritual experience and personal revelation in matters of faith and religious truth.

The quote also reflects Hicks' critique of traditional Christian and Jewish interpretations of the Messiah, which often rely on external signs, prophecies, and scholarly interpretations. Hicks challenges the idea that intellectual understanding or adherence to established religious authority is sufficient for recognizing the true Messiah. Instead, he asserts that genuine recognition and belief in the Messiah require a direct, inward revelation of the spirit of God.

It's important to note that the quote should be understood in the context of Hicks' broader theological perspective and his critique of institutionalized religion. Hicks' teachings were controversial within the Quaker community and led to a schism within the Society of Friends, resulting in the formation of two distinct branches: Hicksite and Orthodox Quakerism.

In summary, the quote by Elias Hicks emphasizes the importance of the revelation of the spirit of God in the recognition and belief in the Messiah by the Israelites. It reflects his broader theological emphasis on personal spiritual experience and critique of traditional religious interpretations. Understanding Hicks' perspective provides insight into the diversity of theological views within religious traditions and the ongoing dialogue about the nature of religious truth and authority.