“And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken?”
Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and contains Moses’ final instructions to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites about false prophets and providing guidance on discerning whether a prophet’s words are from the Lord.
Importance of Discernment:Deuteronomy 18:21 highlights the importance of discerning whether a message is truly from God. The Israelites were cautioned not to blindly accept every claim of prophecy but to critically evaluate the words spoken. This principle applies to believers today, emphasising the need for discernment when evaluating spiritual teachings and prophetic claims.
Testing the Word:The verse implies that there may be instances where people question how to distinguish between a true word from God and a false one. The Israelites might have wondered how to discern the authenticity of a prophet’s message. The following verses (Deuteronomy 18:22) provide guidance on how to test the credibility of a prophet, emphasising the importance of accuracy in their prophecies.
The Standard of Accuracy:In the context of Deuteronomy 18, God assures the Israelites that He will raise up a prophet like Moses who will speak with His authority (Deuteronomy 18:15-18). This serves as a standard against which the authenticity of other prophets can be measured. If a prophet’s words do not align with God’s revealed truth or if their prophecies fail to come true, it is an indication that they are not speaking on behalf of God.
Fulfillment in Jesus Christ:The promise of a prophet like Moses finds its ultimate fulfilment in Jesus Christ. Acts 3:22-23 quotes Deuteronomy 18:15, referring to Jesus as the Prophet whom Moses spoke of. Jesus’ life, teachings, and fulfilment of Messianic prophecies authenticate Him as the true Prophet sent by God. As believers, we can trust in Jesus’ words and teachings, knowing that He is the ultimate revelation of God.
Application to Believers:While the specific context of Deuteronomy 18:21 pertains to the Israelites’ encounter with false prophets, the principle of discernment is relevant to Christians today. In the New Testament, we are urged to test the spirits and examine the teachings we encounter (1 John 4:1-3; Acts 17:11). By studying the Scriptures, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and comparing teachings with God’s revealed truth, we can discern whether a message aligns with the Word of God.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 18:21 underscores the importance of discernment and the need to test prophetic claims against the standard of God’s Word. By examining the credibility of a prophet and evaluating the accuracy of their prophecies, we can distinguish between true and false messages. Ultimately, as believers, we look to Jesus Christ, the Prophet whom God raised up, as the ultimate revelation of God’s truth.
