Bible Commentary

Deuteronomy 18:15-22

Matthew Henry on Deuteronomy 18:15-22

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

It is here promised concerning Christ, that there should come a Prophet, great above all the prophets; by whom God would make known himself and his will to the children of men, more fully and clearly than he had ever done before.

He is the Light of the world, Joh 8:12. He is the World by whom God speaks to us, Joh 1:1; Heb 1:2. In his birth he should be one of their nation. In his resurrection he should be raised up at Jerusalem, and from thence his doctrine should go forth to all the world.

Thus God, having raised up his Son Christ Jesus, sent him to bless us. He should be like unto Moses, only above him. This prophet is come, even JESUS; and is “He that should come,” and we are to look for no other.

The view of God which he gives, will not terrify or overwhelm, but encourages us. He speaks with fatherly affection and Divine authority united. Whoever refuses to listen to Jesus Christ, shall find it is at his peril; the same that is the Prophet is to be his Judge, Joh 12:48.

Woe then to those who refuse to hearken to His voice, to accept His salvation, or yield obedience to His sway! But happy they who trust in Him, and obey Him. He will lead them in the paths of safety and peace, until He brings them to the land of perfect light, purity, and happiness.

Here is a caution against false prophets. It highly concerns us to have a right touchstone wherewith to try the word we hear, that we may know what that word is which the Lord has not spoken. Whatever is against the plain sense of the written word, or which gives countenance or encouragement to sin, we may be sure is not that which the Lord has spoken.

Recommended reading

More for Deuteronomy 18:15-22

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:1-22Deuteronomy 18:1-22 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION RIGHTS OF THE PRIESTS AND THE LEVITES. THE ARTS OF DIVINATION OF THE HEATHEN TO BE AVOIDED. PROPHETS PROMISED WHOM ISRAEL MUST HEAR. THE FALSE AND PRESUMPTUOUS PROPHET TO BE PUT TO DEATH.The Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:9-22Deuteronomy 18:9-22 · The Pulpit CommentaryMoses was not only the leader and ruler of the people, he was also the medium through which God communicated with the people, gave them his laws, and conveyed to them his word and will. In this respect his place could b…The Great Prophet; False Prophets. (b. c. 1451.)Deuteronomy 18:15-22 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleTHE GREAT PROPHET; FALSE PROPHETS. (B. C. 1451.) Here is, I. The promise of the great prophet, with a command to receive him, and hearken to him. Now, 1. Some think it is the promise of a succession of prophets, that sh…The Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:15-22Deuteronomy 18:15-22 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe promised Prophet. From speaking of the paltry expectations about divination, Moses goes on to speak of the general plan of Divine revelation. The people had had the splendid chance of direct communion with God, with…The Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:15-22Deuteronomy 18:15-22 · The Pulpit CommentaryThere should be no need for Israel to turn to heathen soothsayers, or diviners, or such like, because from amongst themselves, of their own brethren, would God raise up prophets like unto Moses, who, as occasion require…The Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:15Deuteronomy 18:15 · The Pulpit CommentaryA Prophet. The Hebrew word so rendered ( נָבִיא) is a derivative from a verb ( נָבָא), which signifies to tell, to announce; hence the primary concept of the word is that of announcer, or forth-speaker; and to this the…
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:1-22EXPOSITION RIGHTS OF THE PRIESTS AND THE LEVITES. THE ARTS OF DIVINATION OF THE HEATHEN TO BE AVOIDED. PROPHETS PROMISED WHOM ISRAEL MUST HEAR. THE FALSE AND PRESUMPTUOUS PROPHET TO BE PUT TO DEATH.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:9-22Moses was not only the leader and ruler of the people, he was also the medium through which God communicated with the people, gave them his laws, and conveyed to them his word and will. In this respect his place could b…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Great Prophet; False Prophets. (b. c. 1451.)THE GREAT PROPHET; FALSE PROPHETS. (B. C. 1451.) Here is, I. The promise of the great prophet, with a command to receive him, and hearken to him. Now, 1. Some think it is the promise of a succession of prophets, that sh…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:15-22Presages of the true Prophet. Captious men of the present day complain that they cannot see God—cannot hear his voice. In their heart they do not wish to see him. He will not reveal himself, as an object of curiosity, t…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:15-22There should be no need for Israel to turn to heathen soothsayers, or diviners, or such like, because from amongst themselves, of their own brethren, would God raise up prophets like unto Moses, who, as occasion require…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:15A Prophet. The Hebrew word so rendered ( נָבִיא) is a derivative from a verb ( נָבָא), which signifies to tell, to announce; hence the primary concept of the word is that of announcer, or forth-speaker; and to this the…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:15-22God speaking to man through man. The Exposition, as well as the Commentaries of Jameson and Keil, may, with great advantage, be consulted on this passage, and also Hengstenberg's 'Christology,' vol. 1. pp. 96-107. Our b…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:15-22The promised Prophet. From speaking of the paltry expectations about divination, Moses goes on to speak of the general plan of Divine revelation. The people had had the splendid chance of direct communion with God, with…Joseph S. Exell and contributors