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Deuteronomy 18:18 - Future prophet like Moses?

Deuteronomy 18:18 - דברים 18:18

Hebrew Text

נָבִיא אָקִים לָהֶם מִקֶּרֶב אֲחֵיהֶם כָּמוֹךָ וְנָתַתִּי דְבָרַי בְּפִיו וְדִבֶּר אֲלֵיהֶם אֵת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר אֲצַוֶּנּוּ׃

English Translation

I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak to them all that I shall command him.

Transliteration

Navi akim lahem mikerev acheihem kamocha venatati devarai befiv vediber aleihem et kol asher atzavenu.

Hebrew Leining Text

נָבִ֨יא אָקִ֥ים לָהֶ֛ם מִקֶּ֥רֶב אֲחֵיהֶ֖ם כָּמ֑וֹךָ וְנָתַתִּ֤י דְבָרַי֙ בְּפִ֔יו וְדִבֶּ֣ר אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם אֵ֖ת כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲצַוֶּֽנּוּ׃
נָבִ֨יא אָקִ֥ים לָהֶ֛ם מִקֶּ֥רֶב אֲחֵיהֶ֖ם כָּמ֑וֹךָ וְנָתַתִּ֤י דְבָרַי֙ בְּפִ֔יו וְדִבֶּ֣ר אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם אֵ֖ת כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲצַוֶּֽנּוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 18:18) appears in the context of Moshe Rabbeinu addressing Bnei Yisrael, reassuring them that Hashem will continue to guide them through prophets after Moshe's passing. This comes after warnings against turning to divination or sorcery (Devarim 18:9-14).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "from among their brethren" teaches that a prophet must come from within Klal Yisrael, not from other nations. The comparison "like thee" means the prophet will share certain qualities with Moshe:

  • He will communicate directly with Hashem (unlike other prophets who receive messages through dreams or visions)
  • He will be ready to sacrifice himself for the Jewish people
  • He will serve as both a spiritual and political leader

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah (7:7), Rambam explains that this verse establishes the criteria for authentic prophecy. A true prophet must:

  • Be recognized for wisdom and piety before prophesying
  • Speak words that align completely with Torah
  • Be able to perform signs when necessary to validate his prophecy

Talmudic Interpretation

The Talmud (Sotah 13b) discusses how this verse applies to Yehoshua as Moshe's immediate successor. The Gemara notes that while Yehoshua was "like Moshe" in many ways, no prophet ever reached Moshe's level of clarity in prophecy (Bamidbar 12:6-8).

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Shoftim 9) elaborates that this promise applies to all legitimate prophets throughout Jewish history. It emphasizes that Hashem's words will be placed "in his mouth" - meaning the prophet cannot alter the divine message but must deliver it exactly as received.

Halachic Implications

This verse forms the basis for several halachic principles regarding prophecy (Rambam, Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 9):

  • We only listen to a prophet who upholds Torah law
  • A prophet cannot add or remove mitzvos
  • Temporary leniencies may be permitted when clearly stated as temporary

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13b
The verse is discussed in relation to the prophecy of Moses and the future prophets, emphasizing the unique role of Moses as a prophet.
📖 Sanhedrin 89a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the criteria for a true prophet and the consequences for false prophets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 18:18 mean?
A: This verse refers to Hashem's promise to send prophets to the Jewish people after Moshe (Moses). These prophets would come from among the Jewish people ('from among their brethren') and would speak Hashem's words to the nation, just as Moshe did. Rashi explains that this verse establishes the legitimacy of future prophets who would guide Israel.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the concept of prophecy in Judaism. The Rambam (Maimonides) lists belief in prophecy as one of the 13 Principles of Faith. This verse shows that Hashem continues to communicate with His people through righteous prophets, though no prophet after Moshe reached his level of prophecy (Deuteronomy 34:10).
Q: How do we know if someone is a true prophet according to this verse?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 89a) explains that a true prophet must: 1) Be from among the Jewish people, 2) Speak in Hashem's name, 3) Not contradict Torah law, and 4) Have their prophecies come true. This builds on our verse which states the prophet will speak 'all that I shall command him' - meaning only Hashem's words, not his own.
Q: Does this verse mean there will always be prophets?
A: No. The Talmud (Sotah 48b) states that prophecy ended after the destruction of the First Temple. However, the Rambam explains that the potential for prophecy remains, and could return when the Jewish people merit it. Our verse establishes the framework for prophecy, but doesn't guarantee its constant presence.
Q: What can we learn from this verse today?
A: We learn that Hashem cares about guiding His people. While we don't have prophets today, we have Torah scholars and the chain of tradition (Mesorah) to help us understand Hashem's will. The Sforno explains that this verse teaches us to value and follow authentic Torah leadership that faithfully transmits Hashem's teachings.