Deuteronomy 18: Avoiding False Gods and Heeding the True Prophet
The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and his inheritance.
Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the Lord is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them.
And this shall be the priest’s due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.
The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.
For the Lord thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the Lord, him and his sons for ever.
And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourned, and come with all the desire of his mind unto the place which the Lord shall choose;
Then he shall minister in the name of the Lord his God, as all his brethren the Levites do, which stand there before the Lord.
They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony.
When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God.
For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the Lord thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
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;
According to all that thou desiredst of the Lord thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.
And the Lord said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.
I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken?
When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
Deuteronomy 18 offers crucial guidance for the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It addresses two critical areas: the support of the Levitical priests and the dangers of pagan practices, while also pointing forward to the ultimate Prophet, Jesus Christ. This chapter is a powerful reminder to prioritize true worship and reject any form of idolatry or false prophecy.
Supporting the Levitical Priesthood (Deuteronomy 18:1-8)
The tribe of Levi held a unique position in Israel. They were set apart to serve the Lord in the tabernacle (and later the temple), offering sacrifices and performing other sacred duties. Within the Levites, the descendants of Aaron served as priests. Because they were devoted to this sacred work, the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, God provided for them through the offerings of the people.
Deuteronomy 18:1 states that the Levitical priests were to be supported by a portion of the fire offerings brought by the Israelites. Furthermore, they were entitled to the firstfruits of the produce and flocks (Deuteronomy 18:4). This ensured their physical needs were met, freeing them to focus on their spiritual responsibilities. God's provision for the Levites highlights the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to serving Him. It also underscores the concept that those who serve in spiritual roles are worthy of material support.
The passage also addresses the situation of Levites who desired to serve at the central sanctuary (Deuteronomy 18:6-8). If a Levite chose to relocate and serve in the place God designated, he was entitled to a share of the sacrifices, regardless of his origin or previous income. This demonstrates God's commitment to fairness and to providing opportunities for all Levites to participate fully in the worship of Him. While the Levites did not receive land, they were given cities throughout Israel to live in, along with pasturelands for their animals (see Numbers 35:1-5), ensuring their integration within the community.
The Abomination of Pagan Practices (Deuteronomy 18:9-14)
Moses transitions abruptly from instructions on true worship to a stern warning against the detestable practices of the nations they were about to displace. These practices, inspired by demonic forces, were attempts to manipulate the gods and gain favor. The most horrific of these was child sacrifice (Deuteronomy 18:10), a practice condemned throughout Scripture, such as in 2 Kings 3:26-27.
Beyond child sacrifice, Moses identifies three main categories of forbidden occult practices:
- Divination (Deuteronomy 18:10): This includes attempts to gain secret knowledge through interpreting omens, astrology, and other means. It's a practice that sadly persists today, with many people consulting horoscopes daily instead of seeking God's guidance in Scripture.
- Magic (Deuteronomy 18:10-11): This refers to sorcery and casting spells, not the art of illusion performed by entertainers. It involves attempts to manipulate the spiritual realm through witchcraft, seeking to accomplish what human power cannot.
- Spiritism (Deuteronomy 18:11): This encompasses attempts to communicate with spiritual intermediaries, contacting the dead, or entering trances to converse with spirit guides or other entities. Modern examples include séances and using Ouija boards.
Deuteronomy 18:12-14 emphasizes that these practices are utterly detestable to the Lord. God was driving out the nations because of these very acts (Deuteronomy 18:12). He calls His people to be blameless and to avoid following the ways of the world (Deuteronomy 18:13-14). This section serves as a timeless warning against seeking answers or power from any source other than God.
The Promise of a Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-19)
In a pivotal moment, Moses prophesies: "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him" (Deuteronomy 18:15). This is a profound promise of a future mediator, one who would speak on God's behalf and provide access to Him. While the Israelites may have envisioned another prophet similar to Moses, the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy is found in Jesus Christ.
Centuries later, Jesus, fully human and fully divine, emerged from among his brothers (John 1:14; Hebrews 2:14-18). God the Father Himself declared Jesus to be His "beloved Son" and commanded, "Listen to him!" (Matthew 17:5). The Apostle Peter affirmed that Moses' words were fulfilled in Jesus (Acts 3:22-23). Jesus is the perfect mediator between God and humanity: "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5).
The passage further clarifies that God will hold accountable those who do not listen to this Prophet, the Messiah (Deuteronomy 18:18-19). Ignoring Christ has dire consequences. This serves as a reminder of the critical importance of heeding the message of Jesus and embracing Him as Lord and Savior.
Identifying False Prophets (Deuteronomy 18:20-22)
To protect Israel from deception, God provides a clear test for identifying false prophets. If a prophet claims to speak in God's name, but their message does not come to pass, they are not a true prophet (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). Instead of fearing such a false prophet, Israel was instructed to put him to death (Deuteronomy 18:20). This strict measure underscores the seriousness of falsely claiming to represent God. This principle serves as a reminder to carefully evaluate those who claim to speak for God, ensuring their words align with Scripture and their prophecies are fulfilled.
Deuteronomy 18 presents a comprehensive guide for discerning between true and false worship. It emphasizes the importance of supporting those who serve God, rejecting pagan practices, and heeding the voice of the true Prophet, Jesus Christ. This chapter continues to resonate today, urging us to prioritize God's Word, avoid spiritual deception, and embrace the saving grace offered through Jesus.
The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and his inheritance.
Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the Lord is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them.
And this shall be the priest’s due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.
The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.
For the Lord thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the Lord, him and his sons for ever.
And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourned, and come with all the desire of his mind unto the place which the Lord shall choose;
Then he shall minister in the name of the Lord his God, as all his brethren the Levites do, which stand there before the Lord.
They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony.
When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God.
For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the Lord thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
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;
According to all that thou desiredst of the Lord thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.
And the Lord said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.
I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken?
When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
Deuteronomy 18 offers crucial guidance for the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It addresses two critical areas: the support of the Levitical priests and the dangers of pagan practices, while also pointing forward to the ultimate Prophet, Jesus Christ. This chapter is a powerful reminder to prioritize true worship and reject any form of idolatry or false prophecy.
Supporting the Levitical Priesthood (Deuteronomy 18:1-8)
The tribe of Levi held a unique position in Israel. They were set apart to serve the Lord in the tabernacle (and later the temple), offering sacrifices and performing other sacred duties. Within the Levites, the descendants of Aaron served as priests. Because they were devoted to this sacred work, the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, God provided for them through the offerings of the people.
Deuteronomy 18:1 states that the Levitical priests were to be supported by a portion of the fire offerings brought by the Israelites. Furthermore, they were entitled to the firstfruits of the produce and flocks (Deuteronomy 18:4). This ensured their physical needs were met, freeing them to focus on their spiritual responsibilities. God's provision for the Levites highlights the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to serving Him. It also underscores the concept that those who serve in spiritual roles are worthy of material support.
The passage also addresses the situation of Levites who desired to serve at the central sanctuary (Deuteronomy 18:6-8). If a Levite chose to relocate and serve in the place God designated, he was entitled to a share of the sacrifices, regardless of his origin or previous income. This demonstrates God's commitment to fairness and to providing opportunities for all Levites to participate fully in the worship of Him. While the Levites did not receive land, they were given cities throughout Israel to live in, along with pasturelands for their animals (see Numbers 35:1-5), ensuring their integration within the community.
The Abomination of Pagan Practices (Deuteronomy 18:9-14)
Moses transitions abruptly from instructions on true worship to a stern warning against the detestable practices of the nations they were about to displace. These practices, inspired by demonic forces, were attempts to manipulate the gods and gain favor. The most horrific of these was child sacrifice (Deuteronomy 18:10), a practice condemned throughout Scripture, such as in 2 Kings 3:26-27.
Beyond child sacrifice, Moses identifies three main categories of forbidden occult practices:
- Divination (Deuteronomy 18:10): This includes attempts to gain secret knowledge through interpreting omens, astrology, and other means. It's a practice that sadly persists today, with many people consulting horoscopes daily instead of seeking God's guidance in Scripture.
- Magic (Deuteronomy 18:10-11): This refers to sorcery and casting spells, not the art of illusion performed by entertainers. It involves attempts to manipulate the spiritual realm through witchcraft, seeking to accomplish what human power cannot.
- Spiritism (Deuteronomy 18:11): This encompasses attempts to communicate with spiritual intermediaries, contacting the dead, or entering trances to converse with spirit guides or other entities. Modern examples include séances and using Ouija boards.
Deuteronomy 18:12-14 emphasizes that these practices are utterly detestable to the Lord. God was driving out the nations because of these very acts (Deuteronomy 18:12). He calls His people to be blameless and to avoid following the ways of the world (Deuteronomy 18:13-14). This section serves as a timeless warning against seeking answers or power from any source other than God.
The Promise of a Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-19)
In a pivotal moment, Moses prophesies: "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him" (Deuteronomy 18:15). This is a profound promise of a future mediator, one who would speak on God's behalf and provide access to Him. While the Israelites may have envisioned another prophet similar to Moses, the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy is found in Jesus Christ.
Centuries later, Jesus, fully human and fully divine, emerged from among his brothers (John 1:14; Hebrews 2:14-18). God the Father Himself declared Jesus to be His "beloved Son" and commanded, "Listen to him!" (Matthew 17:5). The Apostle Peter affirmed that Moses' words were fulfilled in Jesus (Acts 3:22-23). Jesus is the perfect mediator between God and humanity: "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5).
The passage further clarifies that God will hold accountable those who do not listen to this Prophet, the Messiah (Deuteronomy 18:18-19). Ignoring Christ has dire consequences. This serves as a reminder of the critical importance of heeding the message of Jesus and embracing Him as Lord and Savior.
Identifying False Prophets (Deuteronomy 18:20-22)
To protect Israel from deception, God provides a clear test for identifying false prophets. If a prophet claims to speak in God's name, but their message does not come to pass, they are not a true prophet (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). Instead of fearing such a false prophet, Israel was instructed to put him to death (Deuteronomy 18:20). This strict measure underscores the seriousness of falsely claiming to represent God. This principle serves as a reminder to carefully evaluate those who claim to speak for God, ensuring their words align with Scripture and their prophecies are fulfilled.
Deuteronomy 18 presents a comprehensive guide for discerning between true and false worship. It emphasizes the importance of supporting those who serve God, rejecting pagan practices, and heeding the voice of the true Prophet, Jesus Christ. This chapter continues to resonate today, urging us to prioritize God's Word, avoid spiritual deception, and embrace the saving grace offered through Jesus.