Friday, November 1, 2013

Deuteronomy 18:18 A Prophecy of Jesus or Mohammed?




As you now can see, we as Christians have made many unfortunate errors in our theology about the prophecies of Isaiah.  Christianity is not the only religion that is guilty of taking scriptures out of context. 

While doing research I have also noticed that Islam is just as guilty as Christians of using the Old Testament bible to prove that their prophets are prophesied inside of it. 

Christians claim that Jesus was the prophesied prophet spoken of by Moses. Muslims on the other hand also claim that Mohammed their prophet is the one prophesied by Moses in (Deuteronomy 18:18).

Christians make the claim that Jesus is the fulfillment of verse 18 because Jesus was a prophet like Moses. They make the claim that Jesus was one off the brethren or fellow Israelite. Christians believe Jesus’ life patterns the life of Moses identically, such as when Pharaoh kills all of the boy children and Moses miraculously survives (Exodus 1 &2). Jesus miraculously survives the same fate when King Herod allegedly kills the children to get to Jesus (Matthew 2:16).

Muslims also make the claim that Mohammed is the fulfillment of verse 18 because Mohammed was a prophet just like Moses. Mohammed was from the bloodline of Ishmael, Abraham’s oldest son. 

The Muslims claim that the ISHMAELITES are the natural "BRETHREN" to the Israelites so since this is future prophecy this would make Mohammed the Ishmaelite the future heir apparent to fulfill the prophecy. Wow, two great arguments based on one verse. Now they both can’t be right. Or can they both be wrong?  I believe both groups are totally incorrect and are purposely deceiving their followers.  

Now if this was the only verse written in Deuteronomy on the subject then we could see how these two opinions would last for so many centuries. However we will see many verses that shall clearly prove Jesus and Mohammed were never prophesied in the Old Testament bible. Since these two religions refuse to look for the truth, we will go to the word together to uncover God’s real truth…

Before we can learn about what is happening in Deuteronomy 18:18, we really need a quick history lesson of the other 17 verses. As we start at verse one, Moses is old and about to pass away soon. God is giving Moses final instructions to teach the people. God places the Levite priests and the tribe of Levi in charge. 

Their job is to handle all of the affairs concerning the sins of the people such as the adherence to the laws, sacrifices, punishments etc. These priests are to be incorruptible. They are not to accept money or land for personal gain. The Levites are to live off the tithes of the people that they bring as praise and sacrifices to God. 

Having no financial responsibilities in application normally would mean these men should be free of all envy and greed. All of the Levites are to be on equal footing and survive by the goodness of God.  Now after Moses has established this order God then gives Moses a new directive in prophecy:

·         I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. Deuteronomy 18:18

Now we’ve come to the controversial verse 18, the verse that Christians and Muslim both have taken out of context. After reading all of the verses that lead up to this one have you read anything that has led you to believe that verse 18 is a futuristic prophecy? I know I haven’t, but let’s continue…

Since Moses is about to die God tells Moses that He is going to anoint Moses’ successor that will lead the people after his death. So far this does not lead us to a futuristic prophecy. Let’s continue…

This prophet and leader will come directly from among their brethren. In other words he is an Israelite too. He is another man, not a futuristic God wrapped in flesh like the Christians believe.  Just as God taught Moses everything he was to say, God assured Moses that He would teach the new leader of the Israelites what he is to say as well. 

(Personal note): If Jesus is god shouldn't He already know His own words?  

Let’s continue…
God says the new prophet will tell the people what God instructs him to say. 

Now if we are trying to guess who this person could have been we could use a host of prophets as fulfillment of this verse such as the Great Prophet “DANIEL”, or the great prophet ISAIAH.” 

 So far neither Christian nor Muslim has established a rightful claim as to the fulfillment of this verse.

So again let’s continue to find the truth…

·         I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. Deuteronomy 18:18

I have discussed this subject with many Muslims and Christians alike. They both believe Deuteronomy 18:18 points to their individual leaders Mohammed and Jesus. As we have said earlier Deuteronomy 18:18 has not said anything that has led any of us to a conclusion that it is a prophecy of either Jesus or Mohammed. 

Christians have twisted this verse so badly by having Greco-Roman false writers make up stories for Jesus to fulfill such as those told only by the unknown writer of the book of Matthew. 

The New Testament stories have so many holes in them that they had to invent new religions such as the Apologetics to actually apologize and give us new answers why certain verses and chapters don’t stand up to common sense. 
So what is the truth?

Muslims are doing the same word play that Christians have done for centuries. That is, they have taken one word or phrase from a scripture and you have built a theology off of it. Let me explain.

The word "BRETHEREN" is the word the Muslims are using to support their prophetic beliefs. Moses said YHWH would supply another prophet that was to be just like Moses. 

The Jews and Muslims are ancestral half-brothers/brethren through Abraham. By using the word brethren in text, the Muslims believe Moses was giving a futuristic prophecy of Mohammed. 

Now is this to be a prophecy that is to be fulfilled HUNDREDS of years later? DEFINITELY NOT!!

Muslims say that the ISHMAELITES are the natural "BRETHREN" to the ISRAELITES. While this is totally true the use of the word brethren in the context had nothing to do with the Ishmaelite people whatsoever. 

To fully understand what Moses actually says we must go back one chapter which is the beginning of the very first prophecy on the subject. 

In chapter 17, Moses gives instruction to the people on how they are to follow the Priest/King etc that God is placing over them. Now look at this verse:


  • And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and inquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment. 



  • And thou shalt do according to the sentence, which they of that place which the Lord shall choose shall shew thee; 



  • and thou shalt observe to do according to all that they According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: inform thee." Deuteronomy 17:9-10

As you can see the entire 18th chapter is nothing more than just a recap of the original prophecy in Chapter 17. The leader of God will be just like Moses and is an ensign from God to instruct the people. . Let’s continue.

  • And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the Lord thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die
  • and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel. 13. and all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously. Deuteronomy 17:12-13
Moses warns them that it is a must that they follow their new leader from God or face sure DEATH! 

Now is there a timeline when this event was supposed to happen? Let's see:

  • When thou art come unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me;- Revised Standard 15  
  •  
  • you may indeed set as king over you him whom the Lord your God will choose. One from among your BRETHREN you shall set as king over you; you may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. Deuteronomy 17:14-15 Revised Standard Version
What has been learned here?
1.    God says these things are happening in their very days NOT hundreds of years in the future.

2.    God promises to give them a land that is their very own.

3.    God promises to give them a king to rule as leader.

4.    God says the Leader will come from their "BRETHREN."

When is this happening? 

That’s right it is happening during the time of Moses. 

Did God give the Israelites a new land during the time of Jesus or Mohammed? NO! 

Now you understand the truth. Now what is the definition of Brethren in this context? 

It means simply that God will choose a leader who is from among their own people nothing more. If I lived in New York and ran for Mayor then I would have to be a New York resident to be their leader. 

In other words a:  brethren of New York. Remember this word clearly for our discussion later of Deuteronomy 18:18. Let's continue.

  • And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: 
  • 19.  And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them.  
  • That his heart be not lifted up above his BRETHREN and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom,
  •  he, and his children, in the midst of Israel. Deuteronomy 17:18-20
Jesus was not a king; neither was Mohammed. 

Here are yet more verses that prove this is not a futuristic prophecy. This man will lead by example and he has to remember all the laws and statutes of God, continually so that he will remain humble among his brethren. 

If not then God would cut off his life and also the lives of his children. Revealing isn’t it? 

Now that eliminates Jesus. 

Now which Brethren is this verse speaking of? Is it Mohammed and the Ishmaelites? 

Let's move on to chapter 18 to see. First let's add all the verses with the word BRETHREN that lead us up to verse 18:

  • Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their BRETHREN: the Lord is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them. Deuteronomy 18:2
Which brethren the Ishmaelites?  No not all it is from their fellow Israelites.

  • For the Lord thy God hath chosen him out of all THY TRIBES to stand to minister in the name of the Lord, him and his sons forever. 7. Then he shall minister in the name of the Lord his God, as all his brethren the Levites do, which stand there before the Lord. Deuteronomy 18:5-7
If the answers keep flowing like this I may not even have to get to verse 18! Who are this leader’s brethren as spoken of here? It is his fellow brethren the "LEVITES" not the Ishmaelites or Disciples. Just like Jesus, Mohammed is also eliminated from these verses too.

  • For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the Lord thy God hath not suffered thee so to do. Deuteronomy 18:14
Now notice the word which thou "shalt possess" 

Moses is very encouraging to the people that finally their blessings from God are about to come to pass. Moses then takes over the conversation and let's the people know that when God gives them all of the new land which they possess God will appoint a new leader, who by the way is: 

JUST LIKE MOSES.

Moses says:
  • The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the MIDST of thee, of thy BRETHREN like unto ME: unto him ye shall hearken." Deuteronomy 18:15
As you see before vs. 18 Moses is talking directly to the people surrounding Him. The Prophet is coming from in the "MIDST" of them! Directly from the inner circle of Hebrews, directly from their own BRETHREN/TRIBE.
 
Now why is Moses telling them about this Man? Why is this man needed in the first place? Let's see:

  • For this is what you yourselves begged of God at Mount Horeb. There at the foot of the mountain you begged that you might not have to listen to the terrifying voice of God again, or see the awesome fire on the mountain, lest you die.  Deuteronomy 18:16 Living Bible
This man is needed because the people were too terrified to hear the terrible voice of God on their own so they begged and pleaded for a leader someone like Moses who would hear God’s voice and would be their representative to God. Let's continue:
  • And the Lord said unto me, they have well spoken that which they have spoken. Deuteronomy 18:17
This verse leads us to the infamous verse 18. Now in verse 16 the people begged God for a Leader so that they would not have to hear the awesome voice of God neither see the awesome fire and lightning either. 

In Verse 17 God says the people are wise for asking for this Leader. So the very next verse continues this conversation with God doing the talking.
So let’s go back to Deuteronomy verse 18:
 
·         I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him 

19.  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he/the Prophet shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. Deuteronomy 18:18-19

What has been learned overall about the verses above?

1.    God is about to appoint Moses’ new successor to lead the Israelites.

2.    Moses’ new successor will be a prophet just like Moses.

3.    The new prophet is to tell the people only those things that God command.
4.    Vs 19 God warns that if the people do not listen to the words that the new prophet speaks on behalf of God He/God would punish them severely.

As you can see there is nothing in these verses that is hard to understand. 

Yet we still have at least two religions that cannot see what you and I easily comprehend. Now verse 20 is a revealing verse that speaks directly about this new prophet:

·         But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. Deuteronomy 18:20

God gives Moses a severe message specifically for the new prophet of the Israelites. Moses is to tell this new prophet that if he ever decides to speak a prophecy or commandment in the name of YHWH that God never said then that prophet will die! Wow!

Now if Christians believe Jesus is god then this verse clearly proves this verse is not about Him. So is this Mohammed then? No!

Clearly this prophet is a mere mortal. 

God is not speaking of a prophecy to take place more than a thousand years in the future? 

Moses was reassuring the people that God would not leave them without a leader when the time finally comes for His death. It didn’t take long for the prophecy to come true. 

So WHO was the prophet that God chose from among the brethren of the Israelites that was just like Moses? 

Well my brothers and sisters, upon reading all of the chapters of Deuteronomy we didn’t have to look far for the truth. 

The name of the new prophet and his ascension to the leadership position are ACTUALLY FULFILLED in two books! 

First, the answer is in the book of Deuteronomy and 2nd the answers are in the very next book "AFTER" Deuteronomy. 

Are you ready to see what the Christians and Muslims somehow have missed? 

Are you now ready to see who this mystery prophet is? Then let’s go to the word for the true fulfillment of Deuteronomy 18:18:

 THE NAME OF THE PROPHET FINALLY REVEALED BY GOD!

·         And the Lord said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must DIE: call JOSHUAand present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give HIM A CHARGEAnd Moses and Joshua went in the tabernacle of the congregation. Deuteronomy 31:14

GOD tells Moses that he is about to die. God lets Moses know that He/God is about to fulfill His promise that He made to the Israelites earlier on in chapters 17 and 18

God chose one of the brethren from the Hebrews as He said and it was “JOSHUA!” Amazing huh? 

God then told Moses to call “JOSHUA” and that they both must go into the gathering of the PEOPLE/CONGREGATION i.e. his brethren, so that God can anoint and announce Joshua as their new leader; Moses’ successor

As you can see JOSHUA was the fulfillment of the promise made when God chose Joshua as prophet and leader from among their own brethren. 
Hallelujah!  

Now are there more scriptures that clearly show us that Joshua is the person YHWH and Moses were talking about in 18:18? Yes there are many so let’s begin:

·         And JOSHUA the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for MOSES had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses. DEUTERONOMY 34:9

What have we learned?

1.    Moses laid his hand on Joshua an Israelite "brethren" to anoint Him as Leader to the Hebrews.

2.    God’s spirit of wisdom enters Joshua. 

3.    The Israelites listened to Joshua and did as YHWH commanded Moses.

God’s answers are always there for those that seek them. 

Verse 9 above was good, but verse 10 really puts the icing on the cake for us about Joshua being a Prophet that was JUST LIKE MOSES when it says:

·         And there arose NOT a prophet SINCE in Israel
LIKE UNTO MOSES whom the Lord knew FACE TO FACE. DEUTERONOMY 34:9-10

WOW! I love it when God throws man made doctrines out the window! 

Deuteronomy makes it clear that this is not a futuristic prophecy at all. 

Who can argue with the writer when he said there was no other prophet other than Joshua in Israel that was just like Moses? 

What was so special about Joshua that made him Just like Moses? 

According to the verses Joshua and Moses were the only two Prophets ever to stand face to face and hear God’s words. 

Notice the scripture clearly shows the uniqueness of Joshua in verse 10 and says: 

·         And there arose NOT a prophet SINCE in Israel. DEUTERONOMY 34:9-10

Never can the educated fools lead you astray again. Hallelu-YAH! That’s right I did promise you another book that tells of the prophetic fulfillment didn’t I? 

Let’s quickly move on to the next book of the bible that shows the prophecy fulfillment, the book of Joshua!

·         Now AFTER the DEATHof Moses the servant of the Lord it CAME TO PASS that the Lord spake unto JOSHUAthe son of nun, Moses’ Minister, saying, “Moses my servant is dead now therefore ARISE,” go over this Jordan, 

THOU,” and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. JOSHUA 1:1-2

Did you guys see the word for word fulfillment? Notice it says the prophecy CAME TO PASS meaning it was fulfilled immediately through Joshua and not through Jesus or Mohammed! 

No one can refute the above verse now!

As we see God speaks directly to Joshua face to face just like He did to Moses. Let’s look at the anointed power God decides to grant Joshua in the very next verse:

·         Every place that the sole of YOURfoot shall tread upon, that have I given unto YOU,” as “I SAID TO MOSES. JOSHUA 1:3

Here we have it for all eyes to see a CONFIRMATION from God that Moses was speaking about Joshua and not a thousand year prophecy about Jesus or Mohammed

God tells Joshua that he is the prophet to take care of the people after Moses. As a fulfillment God tells Joshua that 

·         ANYWHERE and EVERYWHERE your feet shall touch that land shall be yours and the HEBREWS!

Yahweh also lets us know that this is the very prophecy that He spoke unto Moses about the prophet to take His place!! Here is a little more:

·        There shall not ANY man be able to stand before THEE all the days of THY LIFEas I was withMOSES,” so Iwill be with THEE” “I will NOT fail THEE,” nor forsake THEE. JOSHUA 1:5

The Egyptians couldn’t defeat Moses and God promises Joshua that no one will be able to defeat him either. For He says:

·         As I was withMOSES,” so Iwill be with THEE.

How can you argue with God or with the actual fulfillment of God's word in Deuteronomy 18:18? 

Yes I know I have proven the point but as you know there are a lot of hard-headed people that will still need more proof. 

So let’s just let the biblical words speak to us all:

·         And the LORD said unto JOSHUA”, THIS DAY will I begin to MAGNIFY THEEin the sight of Israel that they may know that, as Iwas with “MOSES”, so I will be WITH THEE. JOSHUA 3:7

God says that He is doing this in the very sight of all the Israelites so that they all may know the prophecy is true that:

“…as Iwas with MOSES”, so I will be WITH THEE.”

By fulfilling His promise in front of the Israelites God makes sure they know that He has kept up His end of the prophetic bargain. 

No future person such as Jesus or Mohammed can lay claim to any of the verses that we have read.

Is Joshua fulfilling these verses to be just like Moses? Yes he is!

·        And JOSHUA said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and HEAR THE WORDS of the Lord your God. JOSHUA 3:9

Just like Moses Joshua speaks the words of YHWH God!


·         On that day the “LORD” magnified JOSHUA in the sight of all Israel; and they feared HIMas they, FEARED MOSES” all the days of his life. JOSHUA 4:14

Now we can see for ourselves that the so-called educators do not have a clue in what they are talking about!  JOSHUA is just like MOSES!

Now did the people know that God fulfilled all these verses? Yes. Did they listen to this Joshua and obey Him?

·        And they answered JOSHUA, saying, all that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. JOSHUA 1:16

Yes! They listened to Him. Now was Joshua just as Moses to the Israelites?

·        According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we HEARKEN UNTO THEE only the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was WITH MOSES. JOSHUA 1:17

Yes again! More fulfillment to the scriptures! Sorry false writers of the New Testament and misguided Islamic Theologians. Lastly, let’s look at the following verses:


  • And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the Lord thy God, or unto the judge, even that man SHALL DIE



  • and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel. 13. And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously. DEUTERONOMY 17:12-13



  • And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which HE SHALL SPEAK in MY NAME I will REQUIRE IT OF HIM! DEUTERONOMY 18:19


If the people do not follow or obey God’s chosen Prophet’s words they will DIE! Now is this same prophecy spoken of about JOSHUA? Let’s see:

·         Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to DEATH: only be strong and of a good courage. JOSHUA 1:18

Wow! Do you see what a little studying will do for your soul people of God? Truth and knowledge is increased! They cannot lead you astray anymore!

common sense goes along way when we actually sit down and read on our own and ignore the ridiculous doctrines of men. We now know the truth that Joshua is the one who fulfilled the prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:18.

Christians now have to go back to the drawing board and find out who is responsible for the doctrines that contradict the Old Testament truth.

Muslims have for years believed the verses speak of Mohammed based erroneously on the use of one single word “BRETHREN?” Yes the children of Ishmael are the true brethren of the Israelites. 

Sadly this verse is not about Mohammed either and you have read the verses that prove this now. Was Mohammed a prophet of God? I’m sure he was. 

Was Jesus a prophet of God? I’m sure He was also. 

We do not have to have so much conflict if the reader understands basic contextual reading. 

All of us, I’m talking about Muslims, Christians, Jews, etc. we all need to stop fighting and start loving each other. 

We all claim to serve the same God but the vanity of men always gets in the way. I love you all and all of you of each religious group are my brothers and sisters. We have to love each other if we want eternal life for the bible sums it up as so:

·         If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother,
he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 

21. And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. 1st John 4:20-21

If you do not love me then you are a liar enough said…

This is not to discredit the Christians or the Muslims, but instead the men who try to change the bible for their own purposes. 

I say again Fast, Pray, and Study; Read for yourself to find the truth that God has for each and every one of us Selah/Salaam/Shalom.


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