Deuteronomy 16:18-18:22 is a well-defined section of Scripture focused on leadership in Israel. The question under consideration is, “How will Israel get along without Moses?” After all, Moses had been clearly attested by God to be His spokesman both to Pharaoh (Ex. 7:9-12) and to Israel (Num. 16:28-33). But Moses knew that the time of his death was drawing near (Deu. 31:14), and God had not yet finished saying everything He intended to say to Israel. More revelation would be forthcoming.
For centuries prior to the coming of Jesus, God spoke repeatedly through His servants, the prophets (Heb. 1:1-3; 1 Pet. 1:10-12). Thus, the question asked in Deuteronomy 18:21 is especially relevant: “How shall we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?” Consider the answer God provided.
The Claim of Prophetic Authority – God knows that people always tend to want “insider information” about their circumstances, especially when they are confused and frightened. Deuteronomy 18:10-11 sternly warns the Israelites not to seek such information from spiritists, sorcerers, or diviners. Furthermore, verse 20 warns them never to listen to anyone who, “speaks in the name of other gods.” Israel was to listen exclusively to messages that originated from the one true God. But Deuteronomy 18:20 indicates that there would also be false prophets who would speak presumptuously in God’s name, saying things that He had never commanded them to say. Mark the principle: God warns His people not to automatically accept everything they hear as authoritative, even when someone claims to be speaking for God Himself. We are to test all things and only hold on to what is good (1 Thess. 5:21; 1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11).
The Test of Prophetic Authenticity – In Deuteronomy 18:22, the test of prophetic authenticity is stated negatively: “If the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.” This test required several things. First, a so-called prophet had to make a prediction. Second, the people had to wait until the prediction either came true or failed. Third, the people had to use Deuteronomy 18:22 to draw the proper conclusion about the source of the prophet’s message. Fourth, the people were to “not be afraid” of the prophet but put him to death if he was found to have spoken presumptuously (Deu. 18:20). Everything hinged on fulfillment. This passage of Scripture made the matter of claiming to speak in the Lord’s name a life-and-death proposition!
Some Considerations about Prophetic Accuracy – The Old Testament shows several examples of false prophets speaking presumptuously in God’s name. Among many others, the Young Man from Judah (1 Kings 13), Micaiah (1 Kings 22), and Jeremiah (Jer. 28) all had to contend with people who falsely declared, “Thus says the Lord.” In each of these situations, God’s will was clearly available for those who wanted to see the truth. In the New Testament era, the Lord also warned about many false prophets who would rise up with false predictions about Jerusalem after His resurrection (Matt. 24:11-26). Even in modern times, several well-known religious groups and their leaders have made specific, bold predictions about future events such as the timing of the Lord’s return. Each of these predictions have failed, which raises a crucial question: does not the principle of Deuteronomy 18:22 show that such failed predictions prove that these are false teachers should be paid no further heed? Is it not still possible for a person to speak presumptuously in the name of God?
New Testament Christians believe that prophetic revelations have ceased (1 Cor. 13:8-13) because God has said everything He has to say in Jesus and His Gospel (Heb. 1:1-3; Gal. 1:6-8; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). Thanks be to God who clearly reveals His will. And thanks be to God for warning us not to believe everything we hear.