“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.”
Context: The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible traditionally ascribed to Moses. Deuteronomy serves as Moses’ farewell address to the Israelites, delivered just before they entered the Promised Land. It contains a series of laws, instructions, and reminders of God’s covenant with His people.
God’s Spokesperson: In this verse, God declares that He will raise up a prophet who will speak on His behalf. This statement is significant because it promises the Israelites a divine intermediary who will communicate God’s words directly to them. The people were expected to listen and obey the prophet’s message.
Obedience and Accountability: The verse warns that those who refuse to hearken or listen to the words spoken by the prophet in God’s name will face consequences. The phrase “I will require it of him” indicates that God will hold the individual accountable for their disobedience. This highlights the importance of obedience to God’s revealed will and the severity of rejecting His appointed messengers.
Prophetic Fulfillment: This verse carries messianic implications. Throughout the Old Testament, God raised up various prophets to guide His people and foretell future events. However, this verse points to a unique and ultimate Prophet who would come in the future. Christians interpret this as a prophecy of Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the role of God’s spokesperson and mediator between God and humanity.
Application: As believers, this verse reminds us of the significance of God’s word and the need to heed His instructions. It underscores the importance of obeying the teachings and commandments of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Prophet and Savior. Disregarding or rejecting His words carries serious consequences. Therefore, it is essential for us to listen attentively, study the Scriptures, and seek to live in accordance with God’s revealed will.
In summary, Deuteronomy 18:19 emphasizes the role of a prophet who speaks on God’s behalf and warns of the consequences for those who refuse to listen. For Christians, this verse also points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate Prophet and emphasizes the importance of heeding His words and obeying God’s commandments.
