The Chosen Key Word in this Chapter is “Prophet” it comes from the Hebrew Word “nabi” which means “prophet, one who speaks for God.”
Moses promises that God will one day raise up another prophet, one Israel must listen to carefully. Welcome to Bible Life Basics Chapter Reviews, I am Chris and this is Deuteronomy 18.
Moses reaffirms that the Levites have no territorial inheritance among their brethren, since the Lord Himself is their inheritance, and they are to live off the offerings brought to the tabernacle. He specifies the priest’s rightful portions from the people’s sacrifices, and instructs that any Levite who wishes to come minister at the central sanctuary may do so and share equally in these portions, regardless of where they previously lived.
Moses warns Israel strongly against adopting the detestable practices of the nations they are dispossessing, child sacrifice, divination, witchcraft, enchantments, consulting with familiar spirits, wizards, or necromancers, since it is precisely because of these abominations that God is driving those nations out before them. Instead of turning to such practices, Moses delivers an extraordinary promise. “The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken.” The Hebrew word for prophet is “nabi.”
God explains that this arrangement fulfills Israel’s own earlier request at Horeb, not to hear His voice directly or see the great fire any longer, lest they die. God promises to put His words in this coming prophet’s mouth, and will personally hold accountable anyone who refuses to listen to what he speaks in God’s name. Moses also gives Israel a practical test for discerning a genuine prophet from a false one, if what a prophet predicts does not come to pass, that prophet has spoken presumptuously and should not be feared.
Moses’ promise of a coming prophet like himself pointed forward far beyond his own lifetime, ultimately understood by the New Testament writers as pointing toward Jesus. Even in this ancient farewell address, God was already preparing His people to expect and recognize an even greater voice still to come.
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