Deuteronomy chapter 18

vs 12

And so we hear once again why the nations are being driven out - because of their detestable and ungodly practices. Even way back here we see that God judges all nations, not just Israel.

vs 13

The implication being that Israel will not escape the same fate simply by being chosen by God - they still need to steer clear of detestable practices.

vs 14

So it's not about whether divination works or not. This is not a pragmatic decision. It is because God wants people to listen to him, not to diviners or magicians.

vs 15

Of course, Joshua might be seen as such a prophet. But there is a longer ranging promise here too. When we read more about this prophet, it will become clear.

vs 16

This was the request of Israel - so at least partly because Israel recognised the need for a mediator between God and mankind, we receive one in the form of a great prophet.

vs 17

God had to agree, of course. But he did. In fact,

vs 18

The role of a prophet then, is to tell the people the commands of God. This does not sound so much like a ministry of predicting, does it? That is what diviners do, after all! No, a prophet exists to make plain the commands of God to people.

vs 19

And he does so with the authority of God. God himself will punish those who disobey the prophet.

vs 20

So this is not a carte blanche for starting up a cottage industry in prophecy, or even creating a new job market. If you aren't called by God, you'll die. If you try and work in other gods into your prophecy, you will die.

So there's a bit of an indication of how important God sees this role.

vs 21

What a great preemptive question! Aren't you thinking that right now as you read this?

vs 22

Now we get the idea that a prophet should speak predictively about something. But this is more a test, really, than what his job is.