A Test for False Prophets

Deuteronomy 13:4

“Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him.

Our text for today seems somewhat out of place, for it is tucked into a passage dealing with false prophets: instructing the people of Israel in ways to detect one who would lead them into false worship. The penalty was death,

Deuteronomy 13:10

“Stone the guilty ones to death because they have tried to draw you away from the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of slavery.

The purpose was both purification and example, for

Deuteronomy 13:11

“Then all Israel will hear about it and be afraid, and no one will act so wickedly again.

The chief test of a prophet was not his ability to perform signs and wonders

Deuteronomy 13:1

"Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles,

Elsewhere the test of total, lifelong accuracy was applied.

Deuteronomy 18:20

But any prophet who falsely claims to speak in my name or who speaks in the name of another god must die.

A more immediate test lay in the absolute harmony of the prophet’s message and deeds with the revealed Word of God, and the wholehearted commitment to the Lord Himself. This test takes the form of the holy standard set forth in our text.

Deuteronomy 18:22

If the prophet speaks in the Lord's name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.

Note that an inward attitude will be expressed, as given in the six action verbs. If we are to please God, we must “walk after” or “pursue” Him, and “fear” or “reverence” Him in all things. Furthermore, we must “keep” His commandments, striving to “obey” Him on every issue He addresses. He expects such a one to “serve” Him: to do His bidding. Finally, we must “cleave” or “cling” to Him, holding fast to Him in an ever deepening relationship. To do less is to fail the test used to discern false prophets, incurring at the least His displeasure; at the most His wrath.