“But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.”
Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Hebrew Bible and is part of the Torah, the first five books attributed to Moses. In this particular verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, providing them with instructions regarding prophets.
Understanding the Role of a Prophet:In the Old Testament, prophets were individuals chosen by God to communicate His messages to His people. They served as intermediaries between God and the people, delivering divine revelations, warnings, and guidance.
Speaking in God’s Name:The verse states that a prophet who presumes to speak a word in God’s name, which God has not commanded him to speak, is in the wrong. This emphasises the importance of receiving direct instructions from God before claiming to speak on His behalf.
False Prophets:The verse warns against false prophets who claim to speak in the name of other gods. In ancient Israel, false prophets were individuals who deceived the people by promoting worship of idols or speaking messages contrary to God’s commands. Such false prophets were considered a serious offence.
The Severity of the Offence:The punishment for a prophet who presumptuously speaks on God’s behalf without His command or who speaks in the name of other gods is severe—death. This highlights the seriousness of misrepresenting God’s message and leading His people astray.
Discerning True Prophets:The presence of false prophets necessitates the ability to discern between true and false messages. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 provides criteria to identify true prophets: if the prophet’s words do not come to pass or if the prophet speaks in the name of other gods, they are false. In contrast, a true prophet’s words will come true, affirming their authenticity.
Application:The verse emphasises the need for discernment in matters of spirituality and religious leadership. It encourages individuals to carefully evaluate messages claiming divine authority and to ensure they align with the revealed Word of God.
Jesus Christ as the Ultimate Prophet:As Christians, we see Jesus Christ as the ultimate Prophet who perfectly fulfilled God’s will. He not only spoke on God’s behalf but also embodied the divine message. In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the Word of God (John 1:1), and His teachings align with the truth revealed in Scripture.
Overall, Deuteronomy 18:20 highlights the seriousness of falsely claiming to speak on behalf of God or promoting worship of other gods. It urges discernment and the careful evaluation of messages claiming divine authority, reminding believers to rely on God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s guidance in discerning true prophets.
