Deuteronomy 13:4
You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.

Application: 

Deuteronomy 13:1–18 This chapter describes various situations that might result in the people of Israel becoming idolatrous. Here Moses warns against being led astray by false prophets (Deut 13:1–5) or friends and family (vv. 6–11). He also explains how they should proceed if they hear that other Israelites have become idolatrous (vv. 12–18).*

Since prophecy and dreams were associated with divine revelation, Israel must reject any prophet or dreamer whose oracles do not align with God’s Word. Even if the source appears divine, the Israelites must reject the suggestion if the prophet or dreamer suggests violating the commands of God.*

Some might assume that if a self-proclaimed prophet is able to perform a miraculous sign or wonder (13:1), then he must be the real deal. But Satan and his followers have performed and will perform false miracles in order to lead people astray (see Exod 7:11–12; Matt 24:24; 2 Thess 2:9; Rev 13:11–4). Moses said the test of a true prophet is not his magic but his message. No matter what a prophet, magician, or soothsayer did to dazzle the Israelites, Moses said in effect, “It’s his theology that matters.” If a person said, Let’s us follow other gods, Israel was not to listen to him under any circumstances—no matter what astonishing signs he performed (13:2–3).^

The Lord would permit apparent wonder workers to appear because he was testing the Israelites—to see if they would love God, keep his laws, worship him, and remain faithful to him (13:3–4). The Lord does the same to us today. Though he never tempts us, he does permit us to encounter temptation in order to test our faithfulness and reveal what is in our hearts.^

*Reference: John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Dt 13:1–18.
^Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 222.

To God be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write blogs. Consider this writing as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, search the Scriptures to determine whether what I write is so. Always consult with your church ministers about biblical matters. I am also not a professional writer, so some grammar or spelling errors may be present. I try my best to write as efficiently as possible. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo

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My book, “Battle Strategy: God’s Plan Amid Chaos.” It’s packed with helpful insights into Bible study and understanding. You can get a free digital version on my website. Fifty percent of the proceeds from this book go to helping children. The book covers the main biblical points and salvation, so you’ll find something valuable. 

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