Sometimes, we get so caught up in studying the New Testament that we neglect the Old Testament. But Paul wrote to the Corinthians (and us) about the events and issues that were part of the Old Testament and said: “Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did” (1 Cor. 10:6). So we need to study those scriptures.One of those events that occurred during the journey of the Israelites to the promised land was when Moses revealed that God would send another prophet. In Deuteronomy 18, Moses is addressing the people. God has already told him he won’t be going into the promised land. He goes over the laws and statutes for following God, encouraging the people to remain loyal to God. Here, Moses informs Israel that God has promised a new prophet who will be like Moses (Deut. 18:15-22).By promising a new prophet, God is reassuring His people that there will be another spokesperson acting on their behalf. But how will they recognize this new prophet?First, for the new prophet to be like Moses, he would have to be raised from among their brothers (Deut. 18:15). This new prophet will also need to come from Israel if he’s going to be like Moses.Second, for the new prophet to be like Moses, he must be recognized as authoritative and therefore, listened to. God proved that Moses was His spokesperson and the people must listen to him. In Numbers 16 some challenged Moses’ authority and position. But these men and all who followed them were destroyed because they did not accept Moses.Third, for the new prophet to be like Moses, he must have a face-to-face relationship with God. Exodus 33 describes how Moses would consult God. He kept the tabernacle outside the camp. People would watch as Moses would enter the tent and see God descend on the tent in a cloud. As the people would worship, God would talk with Moses (Exodus 33:11a). God spoke with Moses as one would talk with a good friend.So who is this new prophet? Some claim that Joshua filled this role as he was Moses’ political successor. Others claim that the succession of all the prophets filled this role—men like Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, etc. However, God didn’t promise multiple new prophets like Moses. The word is singular. Besides, no other Old Testament prophet ...
