Who is the Prophet mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:15–19?

In Deuteronomy 18:15-19, who is the Prophet?

In Deuteronomy, Moses recounts his time spent instructing the Israelites on the Law after their 40-year sojourn in the desert. In his teaching to the Israelites, Jesus mentions a future prophet: “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, among your fellow Israelites. Pay attention to what he says. To paraphrase, “Let us not hear the voice of the Lord our God nor see this tremendous fire again, or we shall die,” is exactly what you prayed to God for on the day of the assembly at Horeb (Deuteronomy 18:15–16).

The Israelites are warned not to follow the practices of pagan countries in Deuteronomy 18. (Deuteronomy 18:9). Moses cautions the Israelites of the consequences of several sins (Deuteronomy 18:10–12). Israel was to stand out from the rest of the world as someone who seeks God’s favor rather than that of other countries (Deuteronomy 18:13). They believed lies and practiced abominations (Deuteronomy 18:14). That wasn’t supposed to happen with Israel.

A prophet like Moses would be raised up for Israel so that they might follow God’s instructions (Deuteronomy 18:15a). Clues about this prophet’s identity are scattered throughout the book. They should pay attention to this prophet since he would be one of them (Deuteronomy 18:15b). According to Moses, God made a compromise. The Israelites begged God to communicate to them via a mediator after being scared by God’s appearance at Mount Sinai (in Horeb) (Exodus 20:18–19). God showed favor to the Israelites and praised their reverence for Himself (Deuteronomy 18:16–17). According to Moses, God informed him that He would send a prophet who would speak God’s words (Deuteronomy 18:18). Those who disregarded the prophet’s advice would have to answer to Him (Deuteronomy 18:19).

God had forewarned Israel that while they awaited this prophet, there would be false prophets who would speak in the name of other gods. They would be murderous charlatans (Deuteronomy 18:20). Whether or not a false prophet’s predictions come true was a telltale sign to the Israelites (Deuteronomy 18:21).

All of the prophets God would send to Israel would be able to fulfill the role of “a prophet” in Deuteronomy 18:15-19. Nonetheless, the people were certain that God would send a certain prophet to them. In fact, they were looking forward to it. The arrival of John the Baptist prompted many to question whether or not he was the promised prophet (John 1:21). As John pointed out, he was not the prophet. Messiah, the long-awaited Prophet, was the One whom John was proclaiming (John 1:26–30). Peter made the connection between that prophet and the Messiah position, and he declared that Jesus was the Promised One (Acts 3:20–26).

Over the centuries, God spoke with Israel via His prophets, but in the latter days, He did so through His Son (Acts 3:24). (Hebrews 1:1). Jesus best personifies the prophet described in Deuteronomy 18:15–19, making him the greatest Prophet. Predicting future events, He declared His upcoming dominion. He spoke of His Father and showed who He was (John 1:18; 14:10–11). He painted a breathtaking picture of the future and promised a bounty to those who listen to and obey His words (Revelation 1:3). John 6:47 promises anyone who put their faith in Jesus Christ will never perish but will have everlasting life (Isaiah 28:16). Because He is so much more than a prophet, we may put our faith in this Prophet. That man is the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of the eternal God (Matthew 16:16). And the people realized that this revelation established His deity (John 5:18).