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Deuteronomy 13:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
Aaron Hurst
Brian Long
A.W. Tozer
Marvin Cowan
George Fox
David ServantSummary
Commentary
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
If there arise among you a prophet,.... A false prophet, a lying prophet, as the Targum of Jonathan; one that pretends to be a true prophet, and to be sent of God, and to come from him with a message from him, a new revelation or doctrine, or in his name, to foretell things to come; the former is chiefly meant. Such prophets did arise in Israel before the time of Christ, and have since arose under the Christian name; see Pe2 2:1, or a dreamer of dreams; the same with the prophet, only to be distinguished by the different manner of their having the mind and will of God revealed to them, pretended to; either by vision or by dream, which were the two usual ways in which the Lord spake to the true prophets, Num 12:6 so that the prophet is one who pretended he had a vision from the Lord, and the dreamer one that had a dream from him, or something revealed to him in a dream; and dreams are sometimes used for false doctrines, vain, deceitful, and illusory; see Jer 23:25. The Targum of Jonathan calls him"a dreamer of a dream of pride:''such persons are generally prompted by the pride of their own hearts to take such a method to make themselves famous and respected among men; and usually bring such doctrines with them which are agreeable to the pride and vanity of human nature: and giving thee a sign or a wonder; for the confirmation of his mission and doctrine; such as Moses wrought before the children of Israel and before Pharaoh. Signs are expressions or representations of things to come to pass; wonders, such as either do, or seem to exceed the common course of nature, or be contrary to it.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, I. A very strange supposition, Deu 13:1, Deu 13:2. 1. It is strange that there should arise any among themselves, especially any pretending to vision and prophecy, who should instigate them to go and serve other gods. Was it possible that any who had so much knowledge of the methods of divine revelation as to be able to personate a prophet should yet have so little knowledge of the divine nature and will as to go himself and entice his neighbours after other gods? Could an Israelite ever be guilty of such impiety? Could a man of sense ever be guilty of such absurdity? We see it in our own day, and therefore may think it the less strange; multitudes that profess both learning and religion yet exciting both themselves and others, not only to worship God by images, but to give divine honour to saints and angels, which is no better than going after other gods to serve them; such is the power of strong delusions. 2. It is yet more strange that the sign or wonder given for the confirmation of this false doctrine should come to pass. Can it be thought that God himself should give any countenance to such a vile proceeding? Did ever a false prophet work a true miracle? It is only supposed here for two reasons: - (1.) To strengthen the caution here given against hearkening to such a one. "Though it were possible that he should work a true miracle, yet you must not believe him if he tell you that you must serve other gods, for the divine law against that is certainly perpetual and unalterable." The supposition is like that in Gal 1:8, If we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you - which does not prove it possible that an angel should preach another gospel, but strongly expresses the certainty and perpetuity of that which we have received. So here, (2.) It is to fortify them against the danger of impostures and lying wonders (Th2 2:9): "Suppose the credentials he produces be so artfully counterfeited that you cannot discern the cheat, nor disprove them, yet, if they are intended to draw you to the service of other gods, that alone is sufficient to disprove them; no evidence can be admitted against so clear a truth as that of the unity of the Godhead, and so plain a law as that of worshipping the one only living and true God." We cannot suppose that the God of truth should set his seal of miracles to a lie, to so gross a lie as is supposed in that temptation, Let us go after other gods. But if it be asked, Why is this false prophet permitted to counterfeit this broad seal? It is answered here (Deu 13:3): "The Lord you God proveth you. He suffers you to be set upon by such a temptation to try your constancy, that both those that are perfect and those that are false and corrupt may be made manifest. It is to prove you; therefore see that you acquit yourselves well in the trial, and stand your ground." II. Here is a very necessary charge given in this case, 1. Not to yield to the temptation: "Thou shalt not hearken to the worlds of that prophet, Deu 13:3. Not only thou shalt not do the thing he tempts thee to, but thou shalt not so much as patiently hear the temptation, but reject it with the utmost disdain and detestation. Such a suggestion as this is not to be so much as parleyed with, but the ear must be stopped against it. Get thee behind me, Satan." Some temptations are so grossly vile that they will not bear a debate, nor may we so much as give them the hearing. What follows (Deu 13:4), You shall walk after the Lord, may be looked upon, (1.) As prescribing a preservative from the temptation: "Keep close to your duty, and you keep out of harm's way. God never leaves us till we leave him." Or, (2.) As furnishing us with an answer to the temptation; say, "It is written, Thou shalt walk after the Lord, and cleave unto him; and therefore what have I to do with idols?" 2. Not to spare the tempter, Deu 13:5. That prophet shall be put to death, both to punish him for the attempt he has made (the seducer must die, though none were seduced by him - a design upon the crown is treason) and to prevent his doing further mischief. This is called putting away the evil. There is no way of removing the guilt but by removing the guilty; if such a criminal be not punished, those that should punish him make themselves responsible. And thus the mischief must be put away; the infection must be kept from spreading by cutting off the gangrened limb, and putting away the mischief-makers. such Dangerous diseases as these must be taken in time.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:1-18 Prophets who tried to lead Israel away from the one true God were guilty of treason, which carried the death penalty. No other religion insisted on exclusive worship of their national gods; consequently, such harsh penalties for the worship of competing deities were unknown elsewhere in the ancient Near East. 13:1 God performed signs and miracles to induce amazement and faith in those who witnessed them (see 6:22). False prophets and magicians were able to replicate these feats to a degree and thus sometimes led God’s people astray (see Exod 7:11, 22; 8:7).
Deuteronomy 13:1
Idolaters to Be Put to Death
1If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you,2and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(The Law of the Holy Spirit) the Holy Spirit Within Us
By Zac Poonen3.0K30:09Law Of The Holy SpiritDEU 13:1In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of false prophets who manipulate people for their own financial gain. He emphasizes that this is not the true baptism in the Holy Spirit. The speaker then focuses on the "law of the Holy Spirit" mentioned in Romans chapter 8. He explains that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the righteous requirements of God's eternal law, allowing believers to walk in the Spirit rather than according to the old laws or man-made rules. The speaker concludes by highlighting the importance of discerning counterfeit manifestations of the Holy Spirit and recognizing that God judged sin on the cross in order to bring forgiveness and fulfillment of His law.
God's Heart in Church Discipline
By Aaron Hurst2.2K1:29:49Church DisciplineDEU 13:1ROM 16:171TI 5:19In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of church discipline without any bias or favoritism. He quotes various Bible verses to support his message, including 1 Corinthians 5:6-7 and Ecclesiastes 8:11. Brother Denny believes that church discipline is necessary to maintain the purity of the church and to prevent evil from spreading. He acknowledges that he does not claim to fully understand God's heart in church discipline, but he aims to share a message on the topic with God's grace.
The Greatest Commandment
By Brian Long1.1K43:23Loving GodDEU 13:1MAT 22:36In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving the Lord with all our hearts. He states that the greatest commandment is to love God completely, and therefore, the greatest sin is to not love Him wholeheartedly. The preacher uses the story of the two debtors to illustrate that those who have been forgiven much will love God more. He urges the listeners to give their hearts fully to God, as He desires to have all of their love and devotion. The preacher concludes by encouraging the audience to reflect on how much God has loved and forgiven them, and to strive to love Him more each day.
Stumble Causers
By A.W. Tozer0DEU 13:1MAT 7:15MAT 24:24JHN 15:8ACT 20:292PE 2:11JN 4:1REV 16:13Tony Garland delves into the concept of False Prophets, who claim to speak for God but actually utter falsehoods, often associated with the Antichrist in the end times. The False Prophet, depicted as benign like a lamb but speaking like a dragon, performs miracles to deceive people into worshiping the Beast. Scripture warns about the danger of false prophets, who are more deadly than physical predators as they can harm not just the body but the soul. Jesus and Paul both forewarn about the rise of false prophets, emphasizing the importance of discerning them by their fruits, which reveal their true nature.
More Lds Scripture and Revelation
By Marvin Cowan0DEU 13:1Marvin Cowan preaches about the Mormon faith, focusing on their belief in the continuous revelation from God through various scriptures like the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. He delves into the discrepancies and challenges surrounding the authenticity and fulfillment of prophecies made by Joseph Smith and subsequent LDS prophets, highlighting instances where prophecies did not come to pass, raising questions about the credibility of these leaders and the LDS Church's claim of having a living prophet guiding them through constant revelation.
Epistle 50
By George Fox0DEU 13:11KI 22:22ISA 2:17JER 10:14JER 27:9JHN 4:24JHN 6:63JHN 14:6JHN 17:17JAS 3:15REV 16:13George Fox preaches about dwelling in purity and waiting for the power of God to preserve believers in that purity. He emphasizes knowing the seed of God in one another to overcome worldly wisdom and carnal knowledge, urging faith to stand against earthly nature and human pride. By dwelling in purity, believers can discern what is impure, have their minds guided by God, and confront their evil thoughts and desires. Fox warns against lusting, which veils the purity and leads to deception by dreamers, lying spirits, and false prophets. He encourages waiting on God in purity to receive His living nourishment for everlasting life.
Beware of False Teachers
By David Servant0DEU 13:1MAT 7:15ROM 16:172TI 4:3TIT 2:112PE 2:1David Servant preaches about the outstanding characteristic of false teachers in the New Testament, emphasizing their underrating of the necessity of holiness, which is reflected in their teachings and personal lives. Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount that false prophets can be identified by their fruits, which are fruits of holiness and obedience. False teachers twist essential New Testament doctrines, promoting a grace that leads to licentiousness rather than holiness, denying the true grace that instructs believers to live sensibly, righteously, and godly. These false teachers deny the Master, downplay the importance of obedience, and lead people astray from the path of holiness, ultimately endangering their salvation.
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
If there arise among you a prophet,.... A false prophet, a lying prophet, as the Targum of Jonathan; one that pretends to be a true prophet, and to be sent of God, and to come from him with a message from him, a new revelation or doctrine, or in his name, to foretell things to come; the former is chiefly meant. Such prophets did arise in Israel before the time of Christ, and have since arose under the Christian name; see Pe2 2:1, or a dreamer of dreams; the same with the prophet, only to be distinguished by the different manner of their having the mind and will of God revealed to them, pretended to; either by vision or by dream, which were the two usual ways in which the Lord spake to the true prophets, Num 12:6 so that the prophet is one who pretended he had a vision from the Lord, and the dreamer one that had a dream from him, or something revealed to him in a dream; and dreams are sometimes used for false doctrines, vain, deceitful, and illusory; see Jer 23:25. The Targum of Jonathan calls him"a dreamer of a dream of pride:''such persons are generally prompted by the pride of their own hearts to take such a method to make themselves famous and respected among men; and usually bring such doctrines with them which are agreeable to the pride and vanity of human nature: and giving thee a sign or a wonder; for the confirmation of his mission and doctrine; such as Moses wrought before the children of Israel and before Pharaoh. Signs are expressions or representations of things to come to pass; wonders, such as either do, or seem to exceed the common course of nature, or be contrary to it.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, I. A very strange supposition, Deu 13:1, Deu 13:2. 1. It is strange that there should arise any among themselves, especially any pretending to vision and prophecy, who should instigate them to go and serve other gods. Was it possible that any who had so much knowledge of the methods of divine revelation as to be able to personate a prophet should yet have so little knowledge of the divine nature and will as to go himself and entice his neighbours after other gods? Could an Israelite ever be guilty of such impiety? Could a man of sense ever be guilty of such absurdity? We see it in our own day, and therefore may think it the less strange; multitudes that profess both learning and religion yet exciting both themselves and others, not only to worship God by images, but to give divine honour to saints and angels, which is no better than going after other gods to serve them; such is the power of strong delusions. 2. It is yet more strange that the sign or wonder given for the confirmation of this false doctrine should come to pass. Can it be thought that God himself should give any countenance to such a vile proceeding? Did ever a false prophet work a true miracle? It is only supposed here for two reasons: - (1.) To strengthen the caution here given against hearkening to such a one. "Though it were possible that he should work a true miracle, yet you must not believe him if he tell you that you must serve other gods, for the divine law against that is certainly perpetual and unalterable." The supposition is like that in Gal 1:8, If we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you - which does not prove it possible that an angel should preach another gospel, but strongly expresses the certainty and perpetuity of that which we have received. So here, (2.) It is to fortify them against the danger of impostures and lying wonders (Th2 2:9): "Suppose the credentials he produces be so artfully counterfeited that you cannot discern the cheat, nor disprove them, yet, if they are intended to draw you to the service of other gods, that alone is sufficient to disprove them; no evidence can be admitted against so clear a truth as that of the unity of the Godhead, and so plain a law as that of worshipping the one only living and true God." We cannot suppose that the God of truth should set his seal of miracles to a lie, to so gross a lie as is supposed in that temptation, Let us go after other gods. But if it be asked, Why is this false prophet permitted to counterfeit this broad seal? It is answered here (Deu 13:3): "The Lord you God proveth you. He suffers you to be set upon by such a temptation to try your constancy, that both those that are perfect and those that are false and corrupt may be made manifest. It is to prove you; therefore see that you acquit yourselves well in the trial, and stand your ground." II. Here is a very necessary charge given in this case, 1. Not to yield to the temptation: "Thou shalt not hearken to the worlds of that prophet, Deu 13:3. Not only thou shalt not do the thing he tempts thee to, but thou shalt not so much as patiently hear the temptation, but reject it with the utmost disdain and detestation. Such a suggestion as this is not to be so much as parleyed with, but the ear must be stopped against it. Get thee behind me, Satan." Some temptations are so grossly vile that they will not bear a debate, nor may we so much as give them the hearing. What follows (Deu 13:4), You shall walk after the Lord, may be looked upon, (1.) As prescribing a preservative from the temptation: "Keep close to your duty, and you keep out of harm's way. God never leaves us till we leave him." Or, (2.) As furnishing us with an answer to the temptation; say, "It is written, Thou shalt walk after the Lord, and cleave unto him; and therefore what have I to do with idols?" 2. Not to spare the tempter, Deu 13:5. That prophet shall be put to death, both to punish him for the attempt he has made (the seducer must die, though none were seduced by him - a design upon the crown is treason) and to prevent his doing further mischief. This is called putting away the evil. There is no way of removing the guilt but by removing the guilty; if such a criminal be not punished, those that should punish him make themselves responsible. And thus the mischief must be put away; the infection must be kept from spreading by cutting off the gangrened limb, and putting away the mischief-makers. such Dangerous diseases as these must be taken in time.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:1-18 Prophets who tried to lead Israel away from the one true God were guilty of treason, which carried the death penalty. No other religion insisted on exclusive worship of their national gods; consequently, such harsh penalties for the worship of competing deities were unknown elsewhere in the ancient Near East. 13:1 God performed signs and miracles to induce amazement and faith in those who witnessed them (see 6:22). False prophets and magicians were able to replicate these feats to a degree and thus sometimes led God’s people astray (see Exod 7:11, 22; 8:7).