Deuteronomy 18:15

¶ 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;

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};

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

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

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

Context

Deuteronomy 18:15 is part of Moses' final discourse to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In the preceding verses (Deuteronomy 18:9-14), Moses sternly warns against the pagan practices of the surrounding nations, such as divination, sorcery, charming, consulting mediums, and necromancy—all of which were an abomination to the LORD. This prohibition sets the stage for the promise of a true, legitimate source of divine revelation: a prophet whom God Himself would raise up from among His people, serving as a direct contrast to the false spiritual guides of the gentiles.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision: God promises to continually provide His people with a reliable means of communication and guidance, ensuring they would not need to resort to forbidden practices for spiritual insight.
  • A Prophet "Like Unto Moses": The phrase "like unto me" is highly significant. Moses was unique in Israel's history as a lawgiver, a mediator of the covenant, and one who spoke with God face-to-face (Numbers 12:8). The promised Prophet would share similar characteristics of unparalleled authority, direct divine revelation, and a mediating role between God and His people.
  • The Command to Hearken: The imperative "unto him ye shall hearken" emphasizes the absolute authority of this future prophet's words. Disobedience to this prophet would be tantamount to disobedience to God Himself, carrying severe consequences, as elaborated in Deuteronomy 18:19.
  • Anticipation of the Messiah: This verse is widely understood in both Jewish and Christian traditions as a messianic prophecy. The New Testament explicitly identifies its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who perfectly embodied the role of the Prophet "like unto Moses."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "Prophet" is navi (נָבִיא), which literally means "one who is called" or "one who announces." It implies someone who speaks for God, delivering His message to the people. The phrase "like unto me" (Hebrew: kamoni) denotes a remarkable similarity in function, authority, and intimacy with God, setting this promised Prophet apart from all others.

Significance and Application

Deuteronomy 18:15 stands as a cornerstone prophecy, pointing forward to the coming of Jesus Christ. For ancient Israel, it offered assurance that God would not abandon them to the uncertainties of pagan divination but would provide a true guide. For believers today, it reinforces the unique authority and revelation found in Jesus. He is the ultimate Prophet, through whom God has spoken His final and most complete word (Hebrews 1:1-2). The command to "hearken" to this Prophet remains relevant, urging us to listen to, believe, and obey the teachings of Jesus as revealed in the Gospels and throughout the New Testament. It also serves as a reminder to discern true spiritual guidance from false, always aligning what is heard with the authoritative Word of God.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 3:22 (35 votes)

    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 (35 votes)

    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 (30 votes)

    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 (24 votes)

    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 (14 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 1:2 (14 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

    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.