The prerequisite for a prophet was that he or she was to be blameless.
The term blameless (tāmîm) means that a prophet had to be a person of integrity. It indicates that the one speaking on God’s behalf, speaks what is in agreement with truth and fact. As well, the term blameless implies that the prophet belongs completely to the Lord.
One called to be prophet was verified by two tests — a theological test and an accuracy test. Theologically, a prophet could only speak in God’s name.
Additionally, a prophet’s predictions had to pass the test of accuracy. That is, what they said could be verified.
Deuteronomy 18:15 reveals that “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him.” This is a prophecy of the Messiah who would be the Great Prophet or the Prophet Greater than Moses. The phrase like me is defined by Numbers 12:7-8 and Deuteronomy 34:10.
Contextually, a prophet like Moses is one with whom God has stood face to face, spoken mouth to mouth, and has seen the form of the Lord.
- You shall be blameless before the Lord your God. - Deuteronomy 18:13
The term blameless (tāmîm) means that a prophet had to be a person of integrity. It indicates that the one speaking on God’s behalf, speaks what is in agreement with truth and fact. As well, the term blameless implies that the prophet belongs completely to the Lord.
One called to be prophet was verified by two tests — a theological test and an accuracy test. Theologically, a prophet could only speak in God’s name.
- It shall come about that whoever will not listen to My words which he shall speak in My name, I Myself will require it of him. - Deuteronomy 18:19
Additionally, a prophet’s predictions had to pass the test of accuracy. That is, what they said could be verified.
- You may say in your heart, How will we know the word which the Lord has not spoken? When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. - Deuteronomy 18:21-22
Deuteronomy 18:15 reveals that “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him.” This is a prophecy of the Messiah who would be the Great Prophet or the Prophet Greater than Moses. The phrase like me is defined by Numbers 12:7-8 and Deuteronomy 34:10.
- Not so, with My servant Moses, He is faithful in all My household; With him I speak mouth to mouth, Even openly, and not in dark sayings, And he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid To speak against My servant, against Moses? - Number 12:7-8
- Since that time no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, - Deuteronomy 34:10
Contextually, a prophet like Moses is one with whom God has stood face to face, spoken mouth to mouth, and has seen the form of the Lord.
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