What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 18:15? The LORD your God • Moses begins by pointing back to the covenant-making God who delivered Israel from Egypt (Exodus 3:14–15; Deuteronomy 6:4). • The phrase underscores absolute authority—this promise rests on the character of the one true God (Isaiah 45:5). • Because the promise comes from “the LORD,” it is certain, trustworthy, and binding on every listener. will raise up • God Himself is the active agent; the coming prophet is not self-appointed (Jeremiah 23:5). • Centuries later Peter quotes this very line and applies it to Jesus, declaring that God “raised up” the promised Prophet (Acts 3:22-26). • The verb reminds us of resurrection language as well—God not only sends but exalts the One He chooses (Acts 13:33). for you • The gift is personal and pastoral; the Lord is providing someone for the people’s benefit and protection. • This reflects His heart to shepherd His flock (Ezekiel 34:23-24) and ultimately to offer His own Son “for us” (John 3:16; Romans 8:32). a prophet • A prophet speaks God’s exact words; he reveals, warns, guides, and comforts (Hebrews 1:1-2). • Israel had known many prophets, yet this promise points to a singular, definitive figure (John 6:14; 7:40). • Jesus fulfills every prophetic office completely—He is the Word made flesh who speaks only what the Father gives (John 12:49-50). like me • Moses was Israel’s unique mediator—receiving the law, performing miracles, and interceding for the nation (Numbers 12:6-8; Deuteronomy 34:10-12). • The future Prophet would share those Moses-like traits but exceed them: – Direct, face-to-face communion with God (John 1:18). – Redemptive miracles culminating in the cross and resurrection (John 20:30-31). – A new covenant law written on hearts (Matthew 5:17-18; 2 Corinthians 3:6). • Hebrews 3:1-6 contrasts Moses the servant with Christ the Son—showing how Jesus perfectly fits the “like me” expectation while surpassing it. from among your brothers • The Prophet would arise from within Israel, not as a foreign import (Genesis 49:10). • This safeguarded continuity with the covenant line and guaranteed a fully human representative (Micah 5:2; Romans 9:4-5). • Jesus’ genealogy through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and David meets this criterion exactly (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38). You must listen to him • The command carries weight—listening means obedience, not casual interest (John 10:27). • At the Transfiguration the Father repeats this directive word-for-word about Jesus: “Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5). • Rejecting the Prophet brings judgment; receiving Him secures life (John 3:36; Acts 3:23). summary Deuteronomy 18:15 is God’s promise, through Moses, of a coming, Moses-like Prophet from Israel who would speak with divine authority. The New Testament repeatedly identifies Jesus as that Prophet, raised up by God for the people’s good. Because He is the covenant Lord’s chosen spokesman, every person is called to hear and obey Him. Listening to Jesus is not optional; it is the divinely mandated response that leads to blessing, salvation, and life. |
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