Deuteronomy 18:15 as a Prophecy of Christ
Deuteronomy 18:15 states, "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him" (NASB) [2]. This verse is widely understood as a prophecy concerning a future prophet, with various interpretations regarding the identity of this figure.
The immediate context of Deuteronomy 18 involves warnings against pagan practices such as divination, sorcery, and consulting the dead [2]. Moses assures the Israelites that they will not need to resort to such practices because God will provide legitimate guidance through prophets [5]. The phrase "like me" suggests that this coming prophet would share certain characteristics with Moses, who served as God's spokesman and mediator for Israel [6, 7].
Many interpreters understand Deuteronomy 18:15, along with the subsequent verses, as a direct prophecy of the Messiah [4, 8]. The New Testament explicitly applies this prophecy to Jesus. In Acts 7:37, Stephen quotes Deuteronomy 18:15, stating that Moses prophesied the coming of the Messiah [9]. Similarly, Peter, in Acts 3:22-23, refers to Jesus as the prophet foretold by Moses, emphasizing that all who do not listen to him will be cut off from the people [1]. This fulfillment in Jesus is seen as consistent with other prophetic passages in the Old Testament that speak of a coming figure who would reveal God's will and lead his people [4, 10].
While some Jewish interpretations, such as that of Abraham Ibn Ezra, focus on the general nature of a prophet of God who is not an enchanter [7], the application to Jesus is a central tenet for many. The "Treasury of Scripture Knowledge" cross-references Deuteronomy 18:15 with various passages that speak of God's provision and guidance, including instances where God provided water from a rock or led His people through the wilderness [3]. This highlights the role of the prophet as a divine provision for the people. The idea of a prophet "like me" also implies a figure who would have a unique relationship with God, similar to Moses, who spoke with God face to face [6].
Sources
- Acts “This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written, -- Acts 15:15”
- Deuteronomy “Deuteronomy 18:15 (NASB) — "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him.”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Deuteronomy 8:15 cross-references: Exodus 17:5, Exodus 17:6, Numbers 20:11, Numbers 21:6, Deuteronomy 1:19, Deuteronomy 32:13, Psalms 78:15, Psalms 105:41, Psalms 114:8, Psalms 136:16, Isaiah 35:7, Isaiah 63:12, Jeremiah 2:6, Hosea 13:5, 1 Corinthians 10:4”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Christ, the Prophet — Foretold -- De 18:15,18; Isa 52:7; Na 1:15. Anointed with the Holy Spirit -- Isa 42:1; 61:1; Lu 4:18; Joh 3:34. Alone knows and reveals God -- Mt 11:27; Joh 3:2,13,34; 17:6,14,26; Heb 1:1,2. Declared his doctrine to be that of the Father -- Joh 8:26,28; 12:49,50; 14:10,24; 15:15; 17:8,16. Preached the gospel, and worked miracles -- Mt 4:23; 11:5; Lu 4:43. Foretold things to come -- Mt 24:3-35; Lu 19:41,44. Faithful to his trust -- Lu 4:43; Joh 17:8; Heb 3:2; Re 1:5; 3:14. Abounded in wisdom -- Lu 2:40,47,52; Col 2:3. Mighty in deed and word -- M”
- Deuteronomy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Deuteronomy 18:15: CHRIST THE PROPHET IS TO BE HEARD. (Deu 18:15-19) The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a prophet--The insertion of this promise, in connection with the preceding prohibition, might warrant the application (which some make of it) to that order of true prophets whom God commissioned in unbroken succession to instruct, to direct, and warn His people; and in this view the purport of it is, "There is no need to consult with diviners and soothsayers, as I shall afford you the benefit of divinely appointed prophets, for judging of whose credentials”
- Deuteronomy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Deuteronomy 18:18: 18:18 The prophet (18:15) would be the Lord’s spokesman, as Moses was (see 4:10-17; Exod 7:1).”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Deuteronomy 18:15: LIKE UNTO ME. Who is a prophet of God and not an enchanter.”
- Daniel (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Daniel 8:15: As the appearance of a man - Supposed to be the Messiah.”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 7:37: 7:37 This verse quotes Deut 18:15. Moses had prophesied that the Messiah would come, and it had happened as Moses said.”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 42:9: former things--Former predictions of God, which were now fulfilled, are here adduced as proof that they ought to trust in Him alone as God; namely, the predictions as to Israel's restoration from Babylon. new--namely, predictions as to Messiah, who is to bring all nations to the worship of Jehovah (Isa 42:1, Isa 42:4, Isa 42:6). spring forth--The same image from plants just beginning to germinate occurs in Isa 43:19; Isa 58:8. Before there is the slightest indication to enable a sagacious observer to infer the coming event, God foretells it.”