Deuteronomy 18:21
“You may say in your heart, “How shall we know the word which Yahweh has not spoken?””
What does Deuteronomy 18:21 mean?
When we're trying to figure out if someone truly speaks for God, it's natural to feel unsure. Moses addresses this doubt directly, acknowledging that discernment isn't always easy. The question itself invites the answer that follows: a true word from God will come to pass, while a false prophecy will fail to happen as claimed. This speaks to something many of us experience, whether in ancient times or today. When we encounter someone claiming to speak God's truth, we wonder how to tell the difference between genuine insight and empty words. Moses gives us permission to ask this hard question and then offers a practical test, trusting that we can use our judgment and observation to know the difference.