Deuteronomy 18:17 meaning
Amid the significant instructions given to the Israelites, a critical promise emerges in this passage: the assurance of a prophet like Moses. This divine appointment addresses a key moment when the people, overwhelmed by God's direct communication at Sinai, expressed their desire for God to speak through human intermediaries rather than directly. Thus, God promises to raise a prophet from among them who would communicate His words, fulfilling the people's request and maintaining a connection between God and His chosen people.
The core of Deuteronomy 18:17 highlights this prophetic role, stating that this promised figure will speak on God's behalf. This expectation not only encompasses a succession of prophets throughout Israel's history but points ultimately to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the role of the greatest prophet. His teachings, as recorded in the New Testament, validate Moses’ foresight and serve as a reminder of the necessity to heed the words of God's chosen emissaries. Rejecting this prophet's message ultimately incurs serious consequences, emphasizing the weight of divine communication.
In the words of Scripture, The LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. (Deuteronomy 18:17 NASB95).
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Deuteronomy 18:15-22 meaning. Moses then told the Israelites that after his death, the LORD would raise up prophets like himself. The people were to turn to these godly prophets for communication with God. God also predicts Jesus will be a prophet like Moses.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Deuteronomy 17:18-20 meaning. After listing the things that the Israelite king was to avoid, Moses then described what he was supposed to do—study the law of the LORD and observe all the covenantal laws in order to learn to fear the LORD his God and to serve Him alone
- Deuteronomy 23:17-18 meaning. Moses prohibited the practice of cult prostitution. He also warned the Israelites against bringing the hire of a harlot or the wages of a male prostitute into God’s sanctuary.
- Deuteronomy 24:17-18 meaning. Moses warns Israel against perverting the justice due to the alien and the orphan, and forbids taking a widow’s garment in pledge.
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