share torah logo

Deuteronomy 18:15 - Future prophet like Moses?

Deuteronomy 18:15 - דברים 18:15

Hebrew Text

נָבִיא מִקִּרְבְּךָ מֵאַחֶיךָ כָּמֹנִי יָקִים לְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֵלָיו תִּשְׁמָעוּן׃

English Translation

The Lord thy God will raise up to thee a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like me; to him you shall hearken;

Transliteration

Navi mikirbecha me'acheicha kamoni yakim lecha Adonai Eloheicha eilav tishma'un.

Hebrew Leining Text

נָבִ֨יא מִקִּרְבְּךָ֤ מֵאַחֶ֙יךָ֙ כָּמֹ֔נִי יָקִ֥ים לְךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ אֵלָ֖יו תִּשְׁמָעֽוּן׃
נָבִ֨יא מִקִּרְבְּךָ֤ מֵאַחֶ֙יךָ֙ כָּמֹ֔נִי יָקִ֥ים לְךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ אֵלָ֖יו תִּשְׁמָעֽוּן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Promise of a Future Prophet

The verse (Devarim 18:15) states: "The Lord thy God will raise up to thee a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like me; to him you shall hearken." This is understood by Orthodox Jewish tradition as a reference to the ongoing prophetic tradition in Israel, not to a singular messianic figure. Rashi explains that this verse assures Israel that Hashem will continue to send prophets to guide them, just as He sent Moshe Rabbeinu.

Comparison to Moshe Rabbeinu

The phrase "like me" (כָּמֹנִי) is interpreted in several ways:

  • Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6): Clarifies that no prophet will ever reach the level of Moshe, who spoke to Hashem "face to face." The comparison here refers to the role of intermediary between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael, not equality in prophecy.
  • Sifri (Devarim 18:15): Teaches that future prophets will resemble Moshe in being faithful messengers of Hashem's word, but none will surpass him in clarity or intimacy with the Divine.

Obligation to Listen to True Prophets

The command "to him you shall hearken" establishes halachic obligations:

  • Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 9:1): Lists heeding true prophets as one of the 613 mitzvos, provided their prophecies align with Torah and do not attempt to add or subtract mitzvos.
  • Chinuch (Mitzvah 516): Explains that this mitzvah reinforces the chain of mesorah (tradition), ensuring proper transmission of Hashem's will through authorized channels.

Context in the Parsha

This verse appears after warnings against idolatrous practices (Devarim 18:9-14). The Ramban explains that Hashem provides the institution of prophecy as the proper alternative to seeking guidance through forbidden means like sorcery or necromancy. A true prophet, coming from among Bnei Yisrael and faithful to Torah, is the sanctioned method of divine communication.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 48b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the cessation of prophecy after the destruction of the First Temple, contrasting with the earlier period when prophets like Moses were active.
📖 Sanhedrin 89a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing false prophets and the criteria for identifying a true prophet, emphasizing the requirement that a prophet must be 'like Moses' in certain respects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 18:15 mean when it says 'a prophet like me'?
A: The verse refers to future prophets who will arise in Israel to guide the people, just as Moshe (Moses) did. Rashi explains that this means a prophet from among the Jewish people ('of thy brethren'), not from other nations. The Talmud (Sotah 12b) connects this to Yehoshua (Joshua) as Moshe's successor, showing this is a general principle about true prophets.
Q: Why is this verse about a future prophet important in Judaism?
A: This verse establishes the foundation for prophecy in Judaism. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:7) explains that we must listen to a true prophet who follows Torah, as this verse commands. However, the Talmud (Bava Basra 12a) states prophecy was mainly given to benefit Israel, and after the destruction of the First Temple, prophecy diminished.
Q: How do we know if someone is the prophet mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:15?
A: The Torah gives tests for a true prophet in Deuteronomy 18:20-22: 1) They must speak in Hashem's name, 2) Their prophecy must align with Torah, and 3) Their predictions must come true. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 10:1-4) elaborates that even if they perform miracles, if they contradict Torah they are false prophets.