Ella 
Read the Bible Quote of the Day – Deuteronomy 18:15 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Context of Deuteronomy 18:15 KJV
Moses’ Final Messages to Israel
The book of Deuteronomy records the final words of Moses to the people of Israel. They were about to enter the Promised Land. Moses would not go with them. So he reminded them of God’s laws and promises.
Deuteronomy means “second law.” It is not a new law but a restating of God’s commands for a new generation. Moses spoke with urgency. He wanted the people to follow God with all their hearts.
Warnings Against Pagan Practices
In the earlier part of Deuteronomy 18, God warns Israel not to follow the evil practices of the nations around them. These included child sacrifice, witchcraft, sorcery, divination, and consulting with the dead.
God called these things abominations. He told His people to be different. They were not to turn to false spiritual sources. Instead, they were to listen to the voice of the Lord.
God’s Promise of a Prophet
After warning against false sources of guidance, God promised something better. He promised to send a prophet who would speak His words. This prophet would come from among the Israelites.
This promise is found in Deuteronomy 18:15. It points to a future hope. God would raise up a prophet like Moses. The people were to listen to him.
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.” — Deuteronomy 18:15, King James Version
Deuteronomy 18:15 Meaning
“The Lord thy God will raise up”
This shows that the prophet would come by God’s choice and power. The people would not choose this prophet. God Himself would raise him up. This means the prophet would be sent with divine authority.
In the Bible, God often raised up leaders for His people—judges, kings, and prophets. But this promise is about someone special. This prophet would stand out from all others.
“Unto thee a Prophet”
The word “prophet” here is important. A prophet speaks the words of God. He is God’s messenger. He tells the people what God says.
This promised prophet would speak only what God commands. He would guide the people in truth. He would not speak from his own heart, but from the heart of God.
“From the midst of thee, of thy brethren”
This prophet would come from within Israel. He would be an Israelite. He would not be a foreigner. God would raise him from among the people.
This was important. The people could trust that the prophet shared their background, their history, and their connection to God’s covenant.
“Like unto me”
This part is key. The prophet would be like Moses. Moses was more than a regular prophet. He spoke to God face to face (Exodus 33:11). He led the people out of Egypt with mighty signs. He gave the Law and served as a mediator between God and Israel.
So when God promised a prophet “like unto” Moses, it pointed to someone unique. This prophet would also have a close relationship with God. He would do great things and teach with authority.
The people knew no prophet had ever been exactly like Moses (Deuteronomy 34:10). So this promise made them look forward to someone very special.
“Unto him ye shall hearken”
The people were commanded to listen to this prophet. God would speak through him, so the people must obey.
To “hearken” means to listen carefully and obey what is said. Ignoring this prophet would be like ignoring God Himself.
Deuteronomy 18:15 Application in Life
Jesus Is the Fulfillment of This Prophecy
This verse finds its full meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the promised Prophet like Moses. Both the Old and New Testaments confirm this.
In Acts 3:22, Peter quotes Deuteronomy 18:15 and says it points to Jesus. He says:
“For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me…”
Later in Acts 7:37, Stephen also quotes this verse when he speaks about Jesus.
Jesus was truly “like unto” Moses:
- Moses was a mediator; Jesus is our Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).
- Moses delivered Israel from slavery; Jesus delivers us from sin.
- Moses gave the law; Jesus fulfilled the law.
- Moses performed miracles; Jesus performed even greater miracles.
- Moses spoke with God; Jesus is the very Word of God made flesh (John 1:14).
Jesus is not just like Moses—He is greater than Moses (Hebrews 3:3). He is the Prophet, the Priest, and the King.
Listening to Jesus Today
The command “unto him ye shall hearken” is still important today. We are called to listen to Jesus. He speaks through His Word, the Bible. He guides us through the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus was on the Mount of Transfiguration, God the Father said from heaven:
“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” — Matthew 17:5
This confirms that Jesus is the one we must listen to. He speaks God’s truth. He teaches the way to salvation.
Avoiding False Voices
Just as Israel was told not to follow sorcerers or mediums, we too must avoid false teachings. Many voices in the world claim to speak truth. But we must test everything by the Word of God.
Jesus warns us in Matthew 24:11 that many false prophets will arise. That is why we must stay close to Jesus, the true Prophet.
The Bible is our standard. It reveals Jesus and shows us how to follow Him.
Trusting God’s Plan
This verse also reminds us of God’s love and care. He did not leave His people in confusion. He gave them a prophet to guide them.
Likewise, God does not leave us alone. He sent His Son to save us and lead us. He continues to guide us through His Word and Spirit.
When we face questions or troubles, we can turn to Jesus. He speaks life, peace, and truth.
Sharing the Good News
As believers, we should share the truth of Jesus with others. Many people are looking for hope and guidance. They need to know that the true Prophet has come.
We can point them to Jesus, the One who speaks God’s Word and offers eternal life.
Romans 10:14 says:
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?”
We must tell others about the Prophet like Moses—Jesus Christ.
Obedience and Faith
“Unto him ye shall hearken.” This is a call to obey. Faith is more than belief; it leads to action.
When we listen to Jesus, we follow His commands. We live by His teachings. We walk in His footsteps.
John 10:27 says:
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
Let us be His sheep—hearing and following our great Shepherd.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 18:15 is a powerful verse filled with hope and prophecy. God promised to send a prophet like Moses. This prophet would come from among the people and speak the words of God.
That promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is the true and final Prophet. He speaks with authority. He leads us to truth and eternal life.
We are called to listen to Him. We must turn away from false voices and follow Jesus with all our hearts.
When we obey His words, we walk in light. When we trust in Him, we find peace and salvation.
“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.” — Deuteronomy 18:15 (KJV)
Let us listen. Let us follow. Let us live for Jesus, the promised Prophet, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
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