Ella 
Read the Bible Quote of the Day – Deuteronomy 18:17 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Understanding the Bible helps us know God‘s will and live in His truth. Deuteronomy 18:17 is part of a special message from God to His people through Moses. It speaks about God’s plan to raise up a prophet who would lead His people. This verse connects to the past, points to the future, and shows us how God hears His people.
The Context of Deuteronomy 18:17 KJV
The Book of Deuteronomy
The book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible. It is part of the Torah, also known as the Law of Moses. Deuteronomy means “second law.” This book is a series of speeches Moses gave to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land.
Moses reminded the people of God’s commandments. He urged them to remain faithful and obey God’s voice. In chapter 18, Moses talks about the role of priests, Levites, and prophets.
A Warning Against False Practices
In Deuteronomy 18:9–14, God warns His people not to follow the evil practices of the nations around them. These included witchcraft, fortune-telling, and speaking with the dead. These acts were detestable to the Lord.
God wanted His people to be holy and listen only to Him. They were not to copy the sinful ways of other nations. Instead of seeking answers from magic or spirits, God would provide a prophet to speak His words.
The Promise of a True Prophet
Deuteronomy 18:15–19 contains God’s promise to send a true prophet like Moses. This prophet would speak God’s words to the people. The Israelites had once asked not to hear God’s voice directly again, and God agreed.
God would raise up a prophet from among them. This prophet would be God’s mouthpiece, and the people were expected to listen and obey.
Deuteronomy 18:17 (KJV)
“And the Lord said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.” — Deuteronomy 18:17, King James Version
This verse shows God’s response to something the people said. It is a short verse, but it holds deep meaning.
Let’s explore it closely.
Deuteronomy 18:17 Meaning
What Did the People Say?
To understand verse 17, we need to go back to what the Israelites said. In Deuteronomy 18:16, they reminded Moses of what happened at Mount Horeb (another name for Mount Sinai). When God gave the Ten Commandments, the people were afraid.
They heard God’s voice from the fire and were terrified. They asked Moses to speak to them instead of God, saying they might die if they heard directly from the Lord again.
Here is what they said in verse 16:
“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.”
They feared God’s holiness. They respected His power. They asked for a human mediator—someone to go between them and God.
God Approved Their Request
In Deuteronomy 18:17, God said, “They have well spoken that which they have spoken.”
This means God agreed with their request. He saw their fear, and He did not criticize them for it. Instead, He understood their need for a mediator and responded with compassion.
God did not reject them. Instead, He promised to raise up a prophet like Moses to speak on His behalf.
The Role of the Prophet
This future prophet would:
- Come from among their brethren (an Israelite)
- Speak God’s words faithfully
- Be someone the people must listen to
This prophet would not speak his own ideas but would deliver God’s message. He would serve as a bridge between the holy God and sinful people.
Fulfillment in Jesus Christ
This verse, along with the surrounding ones, is a prophecy that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
In Acts 3:22–23, the apostle Peter quotes Deuteronomy 18:15–19 and applies it to Jesus. He says that Jesus is the prophet Moses spoke of.
Jesus came from among the people, spoke only what the Father gave Him, and called all to listen and obey.
John 12:49 (KJV) says:
“For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.”
Jesus was the perfect prophet—holy, faithful, and full of truth.
So, when God said, “They have well spoken,” He was preparing the way for Christ, the ultimate answer to their request.
Deuteronomy 18:17 Application in Life
1. God Understands Our Fears
The Israelites were afraid of God’s voice and presence. They asked for a prophet, and God agreed. This shows that God is not harsh with our fears. He is understanding and compassionate.
Sometimes we fear God’s judgment or holiness. But God does not turn us away. He listens to us, just as He listened to the Israelites.
We can approach Him in humility, and He will make a way for us, just as He did through Moses and ultimately through Jesus.
2. God Provides a Mediator
The people wanted someone to stand between them and God. God provided that. First, He gave them Moses. Then He promised a greater prophet—Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV) says:
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
Jesus is the mediator we all need. He speaks for us before the Father. He brings us God’s word, and through Him we have peace with God.
3. We Must Listen to God’s Word
When God sent prophets, the people were supposed to listen. Ignoring a true prophet was a serious sin. Today, we must listen to Jesus.
Hebrews 1:1–2 (KJV) says:
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son…”
Jesus is the living Word of God. We are called to hear Him, trust Him, and obey Him.
Reading the Bible is how we hear Jesus today. We should treasure His words and follow them.
4. False Prophets Still Exist
Just as God promised a true prophet, He also warned of false prophets. Not everyone who claims to speak for God is genuine.
We must test all teachings by the Bible. If someone speaks against God’s Word or adds to it, they are not from God.
1 John 4:1 (KJV) says:
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God…”
God’s true prophet—Jesus—never contradicts the Scriptures. He fulfills them and explains them.
5. God’s Plans Are Always Good
The Israelites were afraid, but God had a plan. He promised them a better way to hear from Him. This teaches us that God’s ways are good, even when we don’t understand everything.
Sometimes we feel lost or unsure. But God always provides what we need. He gives His Word, His Spirit, and His Son. He is faithful in every generation.
We can trust Him to lead us.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 18:17 is a short verse, but it is full of truth. When God said, “They have well spoken,” He showed that He listens to His people. He showed that He is willing to make a way for them to draw near without fear.
God gave His people a promise. He would send a prophet like Moses. That promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the greatest prophet and our Savior.
This verse reminds us that:
- God hears us
- God provides for us
- God speaks through His Son
- We must listen and obey His Word
Let us honor the gift of Jesus, our perfect Prophet, and follow Him with faithful hearts.
May we always listen when He speaks.
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