Deuteronomy 18:15

KJV

¶ 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;

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} will raise up {H6965} unto thee a Prophet {H5030} from the midst {H7130} of thee, of thy brethren {H251}, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken {H8085};

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI will raise up for you a prophet like me from among yourselves, from your own kinsmen. You are to pay attention to him,

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him.

American Standard Version

Jehovah 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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 18:15 delivers a profound prophetic declaration from Moses to the Israelites, assuring them that the LORD their God would sovereignly raise up a Prophet from among their own people, one who would bear a striking resemblance to Moses himself. This divine promise served as God's legitimate provision for guidance, standing in stark contrast to the illicit and detestable pagan practices of divination and sorcery that Israel was commanded to shun. The verse culminates with a clear and emphatic command for the people to diligently listen and yield obedience to this future Prophet, underscoring the absolute authority and life-altering significance of his message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within Moses' final, comprehensive discourses delivered to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. Immediately preceding [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "The Promise of a Prophet Like Moses") are stern and explicit prohibitions against various Canaanite abominations, including child sacrifice, divination, sorcery, charming, consulting mediums, and necromancy ([Deuteronomy 18:9-14](/deuteronomy/18-9-14 "Prohibition of Pagan Practices")). These prohibitions establish a foundational contrast: while the surrounding nations sought knowledge and control through illicit spiritual means, Israel was to rely solely on the LORD. The promise of a legitimate, divinely appointed Prophet in verse 15 directly addresses the spiritual vacuum created by these bans, assuring Israel that God would provide a pure and authoritative channel for His revelation, thus removing any temptation to resort to the very practices they were commanded to abhor. The gravity of this promise is underscored by the severe consequences outlined for disobedience to this Prophet in [Deuteronomy 18:19](/deuteronomy/18-19 "Consequences of Disobedience").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As the Israelites stood on the precipice of entering Canaan, they faced a land steeped in diverse religious and cultural practices. The indigenous peoples of Canaan engaged extensively in various forms of magic, divination, and communication with spirits, viewing these as essential means to understand and influence their world. Moses' address, delivered as a foundational covenant instruction, aimed to define Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people in this new environment. By explicitly forbidding these pagan rituals and simultaneously promising a divine alternative, God was not merely setting moral boundaries but establishing a distinct theological framework. This framework emphasized His exclusive authority as the source of truth and guidance, protecting His people from the spiritual corruption and idolatry that permeated the ancient Near East and ensuring their covenant fidelity.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 18:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Provision**, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in continually supplying His people with the necessary means for guidance and truth, ensuring they are not left to spiritual darkness or the snares of paganism. The profound phrase "like unto me" introduces the significant theme of **Moses' Unique Role and Succession**, emphasizing Moses' unparalleled position as a lawgiver and mediator, while simultaneously foreshadowing a future figure who would share similar, if not greater, authority and intimacy with God. This points directly to the theme of **Anticipation of the Messiah**, as both Jewish and Christian traditions recognize this prophecy as ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the ultimate Prophet and Mediator. Finally, the imperative "unto him ye shall hearken" underscores the critical theme of **Obedience to Divine Revelation**, stressing that God's word, delivered through His chosen messenger, demands absolute attention and submission, with profound consequences for disregard, as seen in [Deuteronomy 18:19](/deuteronomy/18-19 "Consequences of Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ_):** The Hebrew term נָבִיא (H5030, _nâbîyʼ_) refers to an individual divinely called and empowered to speak on behalf of God. Unlike pagan diviners who attempt to extract information from the spiritual realm through various human-initiated techniques, a _nâbîyʼ_ receives a direct, unadulterated message from God and faithfully proclaims it. The essence of this role is that of a spokesperson, one who "announces" or "proclaims" the divine word, often with a sense of urgency, authority, and accountability. This role is entirely divinely initiated and divinely sustained, setting the _nâbîyʼ_ apart from all human-contrived forms of spiritual inquiry.
* **Raise up (Hebrew, _qûwm_):** The verb "raise up" is derived from the primitive root קוּם (H6965, _qûwm_), which signifies to rise, stand, establish, or cause to stand. In this context, it denotes God's sovereign initiative and active involvement in bringing forth this Prophet. It implies a divine appointment and empowerment, rather than a human selection or a natural succession. The LORD Himself will "raise up" this figure, ensuring his legitimacy, authority, and divine backing, distinguishing him from any self-proclaimed or humanly chosen leader.
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ_):** The verb "hearken" is derived from the root שָׁמַע (H8085, _shâmaʻ_), which means "to hear intelligently," often with the strong implication of attention, understanding, and obedience. In this imperative context, "unto him ye shall hearken" demands not merely passive reception of words but an active, attentive, and obedient response. It signifies a call to listen with the intent to believe and comply. This command underscores the absolute authority of the promised Prophet's words, implying that to disregard his message would be to disregard God's own word, with severe spiritual and covenantal repercussions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet":** This opening clause unequivocally establishes the divine origin and initiative behind the promise. The LORD (Yahweh), Israel's covenant God, is the one who will "raise up" this future messenger, indicating His sovereign choice, empowerment, and provision. This Prophet is not a product of human selection or training but a direct, gracious gift from God to His people, ensuring the legitimacy and divine origin of his message and authority.
* **"from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me;":** This phrase further defines the identity and unique nature of the promised Prophet. He will be "from the midst" and "of thy brethren," meaning he will be an Israelite, sharing their ethnic and cultural heritage. This ensures relatability, authenticity, and distinguishes him from foreign, pagan seers. The crucial qualification, "like unto me," draws a direct, profound parallel to Moses, signifying a prophet with unparalleled authority, direct access to God's will, and a mediating role in delivering divine instruction, much like Moses delivered the Law and mediated the covenant. This comparison elevates the future Prophet to a status far above ordinary prophets, hinting at a figure of singular importance.
* **"unto him ye shall hearken;":** This concluding imperative is a command for absolute and unreserved obedience. The phrase "ye shall hearken" (from _shâmaʻ_) demands not merely hearing the words of this Prophet but actively listening, believing, and submitting to his message. It implies that the words of this Prophet carry the full weight and authority of God Himself, and that failure to obey would be a direct act of rebellion against the LORD, as explicitly warned in [Deuteronomy 18:19](/deuteronomy/18-19 "Consequences of Disobedience").

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 18:15 masterfully employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. Most prominent is **Prophecy**, as Moses delivers a future-oriented declaration concerning a divinely appointed messenger. This prophecy inherently functions as **Foreshadowing**, pointing forward to a figure of immense significance whose coming will be a pivotal moment in Israel's history and salvation. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, implicitly setting the true Prophet apart from the false prophets, diviners, and sorcerers explicitly forbidden in the preceding verses, thereby highlighting God's righteous and legitimate means of communication versus the illicit practices of the nations. Furthermore, the concluding phrase "unto him ye shall hearken" serves as an **Imperative**, a direct command that underscores the absolute authority of the promised Prophet and the non-negotiable necessity of obedience to his words. The phrase "like unto me" is a powerful **Simile**, drawing a direct and profound comparison between the future Prophet and Moses, thereby establishing a benchmark for the Prophet's unique status, authority, and mediating role.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 18:15 stands as a cornerstone prophecy within the Old Testament, articulating God's steadfast commitment to providing His people with true and authoritative revelation, thereby safeguarding them from the spiritual dangers of paganism and deception. The promise of a Prophet "like unto Moses" elevates this figure beyond the ordinary prophetic office, hinting at a unique mediator of God's will who would possess unparalleled authority and intimacy with the divine. This prophecy not only assured ancient Israel of God's continued guidance but also laid the groundwork for the expectation of a supreme messenger, ultimately finding its most profound and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the roles of Prophet, Priest, and King. The command to "hearken" to this Prophet emphasizes the critical importance of obedience to God's revealed word, delivered through His chosen vessel, and highlights the severe consequences of rejecting divine truth.

* [John 1:21](/john/1-21 "John the Baptist asked if he was the Prophet")
* [Acts 3:22-23](/acts/3-22-23 "Peter's sermon applying Deuteronomy 18:15 to Jesus")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "God has spoken through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 18:15 calls us to a profound reflection on the nature of divine revelation and our proper response to it. In a world saturated with competing voices, ideologies, and spiritual claims, this verse powerfully reminds us that God Himself has provided the ultimate, authoritative source of truth and guidance. Just as ancient Israel was sternly warned against seeking illicit spiritual insight through pagan practices, we too are challenged to discern true spiritual authority from the myriad of false or misleading voices around us. The imperative to "hearken" to the promised Prophet is a timeless and urgent call to active, discerning, and obedient listening to God's word. For believers today, this means diligently engaging with Scripture, allowing the teachings of Jesus Christ—the ultimate Prophet—to profoundly shape our understanding, guide our decisions, and transform our lives. It compels us to cultivate a spirit of humility and submission, recognizing that true wisdom and life come from God's revelation, not from human speculation, cultural trends, or forbidden spiritual practices. Our spiritual well-being depends on our willingness to truly hear and obey His voice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of a Prophet "like unto Moses" provide comfort and assurance to God's people in times of spiritual uncertainty and moral confusion?**
* **In what contemporary forms might we be tempted to seek "forbidden" or illicit sources of guidance, and how can we actively resist these temptations in our daily lives?**
* **What does it mean practically to "hearken" to the words of Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, in the context of our personal choices, relationships, and worldview?**
* **How does understanding this ancient prophecy deepen your appreciation for Jesus Christ's unique authority, His role as God's ultimate spokesperson, and the necessity of submitting to His teachings?**

### FAQ
**Was Moses the only prophet "like unto himself" before Jesus?**

Answer: While Moses was truly unique in his direct, face-to-face communication with God ([Numbers 12:8](/numbers/12-8 "God speaks with Moses face-to-face")) and his foundational role as lawgiver and covenant mediator, the prophecy in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "The Promise of a Prophet Like Moses") explicitly points to a future, singular Prophet who would be "like unto me." Throughout Israel's history, many prophets arose (e.g., Samuel, Elijah, Isaiah), who spoke God's word and performed mighty acts. However, none fully embodied the comprehensive role of lawgiver, covenant mediator, and direct communicator with God in the same unparalleled way Moses did. The Jewish tradition itself debated who this ultimate Prophet would be, with some expecting a new Moses. The New Testament writers, particularly Peter in [Acts 3:22](/acts/3-22 "Peter's sermon applying Deuteronomy 18:15 to Jesus"), definitively identify Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment, suggesting that no other prophet perfectly matched the "like unto me" standard in the profound and complete way Jesus did.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of false prophets?**

Answer: [Deuteronomy 18:15-22](/deuteronomy/18-15-22 "The Promise of a Prophet and Warning Against False Prophets") provides a critical framework for distinguishing true prophets from false ones. The preceding verses ([Deuteronomy 18:9-14](/deuteronomy/18-9-14 "Prohibition of Pagan Practices")) explicitly forbid pagan practices that involve seeking illicit spiritual knowledge. The promise of a true Prophet in verse 15 serves as God's legitimate and divinely sanctioned alternative to these detestable practices. Verses [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Identifying a False Prophet") then give specific tests for identifying a false prophet: one who presumes to speak in God's name without being commanded, or one whose prophecies do not come true. Thus, the promise of the true Prophet in verse 15 is intrinsically linked to the warnings against false prophets, emphasizing the necessity of discerning God's authentic voice from deceptive imitations and highlighting the severe consequences of following those who do not speak for God.

**Why is it so important to "hearken" to this Prophet?**

Answer: The command to "hearken" (meaning to listen attentively and obey) is profoundly crucial because the promised Prophet is God's divinely appointed spokesperson, delivering God's own authoritative words. To disregard the Prophet's message is, therefore, to disregard God Himself and His revealed will. [Deuteronomy 18:19](/deuteronomy/18-19 "Consequences of Disobedience") explicitly states that God Himself will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to the words that the Prophet speaks in His name. This underscores the profound authority vested in this Prophet and the severe, even life-threatening, consequences for disobedience, highlighting the absolute importance of submitting to God's revealed will through His chosen messenger. For Israel, their covenant faithfulness and very existence depended on their obedience to God's voice through His chosen representative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 18:15 finds its climactic and perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate Prophet "like unto Moses," yet infinitely greater and superior. While Moses delivered the Old Covenant Law, Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant, speaking with an inherent, divine authority that surpassed all previous prophets, famously declaring, "You have heard that it was said... but I say to you..." ([Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Jesus' Sermon on the Mount")). Peter, in his powerful sermon in [Acts 3:22-23](/acts/3-22-23 "Peter's sermon applying Deuteronomy 18:15 to Jesus"), explicitly applies this ancient prophecy to Jesus, urging the people to "listen to him in everything he tells you." Jesus not only spoke God's words but was the very Word of God incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "The Word was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word became flesh")), embodying the fullness of divine revelation in a way no other prophet could. He mediated a new and better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Jesus, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")), and through His life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, He revealed the Father fully and perfectly ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father")). The command to "hearken" to this Prophet thus becomes a call to believe in, follow, and obey Jesus, for in Him, God has spoken His final and most complete word to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "God has spoken through His Son")). He is the true Shepherd who speaks, and His sheep hear His voice and follow Him ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "My sheep hear my voice")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 3:22

For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

Acts 3:23

And it shall come to pass, [that] every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

Acts 7:37

This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.

John 1:45

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

Hebrews 1:1

¶ God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

Hebrews 1:2

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Matthew 17:5

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.