Deuteronomy 18

Chapter Summary

Deuteronomy chapter 18 begins by addressing the Levites, who were to receive no inheritance in the Promised Land but were to be supported by the tithes and offerings of the people (Deuteronomy 18:1-8). The chapter then warns the Israelites against imitating the detestable practices of the nations they are displacing, including child sacrifice and divination (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). Moses tells the people that God will raise up a prophet like him, who will speak God's words to them, and that they are to listen to this prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-22). The chapter concludes with a discussion of the role of priests and Levites in the community, including their support and their responsibilities (Deuteronomy 18:1-8). Throughout the chapter, Moses emphasizes the importance of following God's commands and warns against the dangers of idolatry and false prophecy.

Context for the Chapter

Deuteronomy chapter 18 is part of the larger book of Deuteronomy, which is a series of sermons given by Moses to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The chapter is situated in the middle of Moses' third sermon, in which he emphasizes the importance of following God's commands and warns against the dangers of idolatry and false prophecy. The chapter looks forward to the future of God's people, including the coming of a prophet like Moses and the establishment of the monarchy in Israel.

Heart Application

As we read Deuteronomy chapter 18, we are reminded of the importance of following God's commands and listening to His words. We are to worship the one true God and reject the idolatry and false prophecy of the world around us. We are to support and pray for our church leaders, who are called to serve God and guide us in our worship and obedience to Him.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Deuteronomy chapter 18 is about following God's commands and listening to His words. The Israelites are to worship the one true God and reject idolatry and false prophecy. They are to support their church leaders and pray for them as they serve God and guide the people in worship and obedience. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of obeying God's commands and listening to His words, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:15.

Voices from the Church

“The prophet who speaks the words of God is a great blessing to the church, but the prophet who speaks his own words is a curse.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The Levites were a type of Christ, who is our great High Priest and Intercessor before God.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Support of the Levites (Deuteronomy 18:1-8) — The Levites were to receive no inheritance in the Promised Land but were to be supported by the tithes and offerings of the people.
2. The Warning Against Idolatry (Deuteronomy 18:9-14) — The Israelites were warned against imitating the detestable practices of the nations they were displacing, including child sacrifice and divination.
3. The Promise of a Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-22) — God promised to raise up a prophet like Moses, who would speak God's words to the people and guide them in their worship and obedience.
4. The Role of the Priests and Levites (Deuteronomy 18:1-8) — The priests and Levites were to serve God and support the people in their worship and obedience to Him.
5. Conclusion (Deuteronomy 18:1-22) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of following God's commands and listening to His words, lest the people suffer the consequences of disobedience.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of Scripture

Deuteronomy chapter 18 emphasizes the importance of listening to God's words and following His commands, highlighting the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.

The Doctrine of the Church

The chapter discusses the role of the Levites and priests in the community, emphasizing the importance of supporting and praying for church leaders as they serve God and guide the people in worship and obedience.

The Doctrine of Christ

The chapter looks forward to the coming of a prophet like Moses, who is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the ultimate prophet, priest, and king of God's people.

The Doctrine of Salvation

The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and false prophecy, emphasizing the importance of worshiping the one true God and listening to His words alone, lest the people suffer the consequences of disobedience and unbelief.

Lessons from Deuteronomy 18

1. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's commands and listening to His words, lest the people suffer the consequences of disobedience.
2. The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and false prophecy, emphasizing the importance of worshiping the one true God and listening to His words alone.
3. The Role of Church Leaders — The chapter discusses the role of the Levites and priests in the community, emphasizing the importance of supporting and praying for church leaders as they serve God and guide the people in worship and obedience.
4. The Promise of a Prophet — The chapter looks forward to the coming of a prophet like Moses, who is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the ultimate prophet, priest, and king of God's people.
5. The Application of the Chapter — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of applying its teachings to our own lives and to the world around us, lest we suffer the consequences of disobedience and unbelief.

Themes from Deuteronomy 18

1. The Importance of Following God's Commands — The chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's commands and listening to His words, lest the people suffer the consequences of disobedience.
2. The Dangers of Idolatry and False Prophecy — The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and false prophecy, emphasizing the importance of worshiping the one true God and listening to His words alone.
3. The Role of the Levites and Priests — The chapter discusses the role of the Levites and priests in the community, emphasizing the importance of supporting and praying for church leaders as they serve God and guide the people in worship and obedience.
4. The Promise of a Prophet — The chapter looks forward to the coming of a prophet like Moses, who is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the ultimate prophet, priest, and king of God's people.
5. The Application of the Chapter — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of applying its teachings to our own lives and to the world around us, lest we suffer the consequences of disobedience and unbelief.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways in which we can support our church leaders as they serve God and guide us in our worship and obedience?
2. How can we avoid the dangers of idolatry and false prophecy in our own lives and in the world around us?
3. What are some ways in which Jesus Christ fulfills the promise of a prophet like Moses, and what are the implications of this for our worship and obedience to God?
4. How can we emphasize the importance of following God's commands and listening to His words in our own lives and in the lives of those around us?
5. What are some ways in which we can apply the teachings of Deuteronomy chapter 18 to our own lives and to the world around us?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Deuteronomy 18

	Sermon	Description
	Deliverance - Part 2 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the magicians in the book of Exodus. He highlights the supernatural powers displayed by both Moses and the magicians, b
	Getting Alone - Abandonment (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of forgetting and never doing certain things. He criticizes the idea that preaching alone can reach the nations, pointing out
	Alone - Abandonment by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a revival in the church. He describes the current state of the church as weak and powerless, comparing it to people in Africa l
	Recognizing and Dealing With Occult Involvement by Bill McLeod	Bill McLeod emphasizes the critical need for believers to recognize and renounce occult involvement, explaining that many individuals struggle with spiritual affliction due to thei
	Who by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of freedom and how it is not truly attainable in society. He uses the analogy of two buns on a park bench to illustrate that even
	A Religion Without Righteousness by Joshua Daniel	This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of not letting the Word of God be taken away by the devil after hearing it, highlighting the need for true salvation and righ
	Total Abandonment to the Lord by Leonard Ravenhill	The sermon transcript discusses the concept of abandonment in relation to commitment and sanctification. The speaker highlights three examples of abandonment: Jesus Christ, Moses,
	By Signs and Wonders Where Christ Has Not Been Named by John Piper	This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the power of God's Word and the role of signs and wonders in the church. It delves into the method and instruments through wh
	Miracles by Jacob Prasch	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the reasons why Jesus performed miracles, signs, and wonders. The first reason is the compassion of God, as Jesus felt compassion for the peop
	Palm Sunday by Jacob Prasch	The video discusses the events of Palm Sunday, specifically focusing on Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. It highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and the significance of Jesus being h

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Deuteronomy 18

In Deuteronomy chapter 18, Moses emphasizes the importance of following God's commands and listening to His words. The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and false prophecy, emphasizing the importance of worshiping the one true God and listening to His words alone. The Levites are to receive no inheritance in the Promised Land but are to be supported by the tithes and offerings of the people. The chapter looks forward to the coming of a prophet like Moses, who is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the ultimate prophet, priest, and king of God's people. As Matthew Henry notes, this chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the danger of idolatry and false prophecy, highlighting the need for God's people to be blameless before Him and to listen to His words alone. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?