Compare Isaiah 44:25 with Deuteronomy 18:20-22 on false prophecy. What similarities exist? Setting the Scene • Isaiah is speaking to Judah’s exiles about the unmatched power of the LORD. • Moses, in Deuteronomy, is preparing Israel to enter Canaan and guarding them from spiritual deception. • Both passages defend God’s reputation and protect His people from voices that would mislead them. Key Texts • Isaiah 44:25 – “who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners” • Deuteronomy 18:20 – “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name… that prophet shall die.” • Deuteronomy 18:21 – “You may say in your heart, ‘How can we recognize a message the LORD has not spoken?’” • Deuteronomy 18:22 – “If the message does not come to pass, the LORD has not spoken it; do not be afraid of him.” Shared Themes: How God Addresses False Prophecy • Divine Exposure – Isaiah: God Himself “foils” and “makes fools” of pretenders. – Deuteronomy: unmet predictions expose the fraud; time reveals truth. • Absolute Standard – Isaiah: God’s sovereignty means any rival claim must collapse. – Deuteronomy: only 100 % accuracy qualifies a true prophet (cf. Jeremiah 28:9). • Serious Consequences – Isaiah implies humiliation for deceivers. – Deuteronomy prescribes death for those who speak falsely in God’s name (cf. Zechariah 13:3). • Protection for God’s People – Isaiah shows the LORD actively shielding His flock by overturning lies. – Deuteronomy equips the people to test words and refuse fear of charlatans (cf. 1 John 4:1). • Upholding God’s Honor – Both passages stress that false words tarnish His holy name; therefore He acts (cf. Ezekiel 13:6-9). Take-Home Truths • God never leaves His people at the mercy of deception; His truth always prevails. • The sure test remains unchanged: fulfilled predictions and doctrinal fidelity (Galatians 1:8). • Discernment is not optional—Scripture commands it, and God supplies what we need to practice it confidently. |
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