Bible Study for the week – Deuteronomy 17-20 One of the most popular Biblical topics is prophecy. Often overlooked is prophecy which has already been fulfilled. One such prophecy occurs in the week’s section. Moses prophesied that when Israel entered the land that they would demand a “king” in order to be like all the other nations (Deuteronomy 17:14). Almost 400 years later in the days of Samuel, Israel made this demand. God told Samuel that Israel had not rejected him (Samuel) but had rejected God. Also in this section, Moses specifically prohibited some activities by a future king. “Moreover, he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor shall he cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, since the Lord has said to you, “You shall never again return that way.” Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly increase silver and gold for himself.” (Deuteronomy 17:16-17) Solomon violated all of these prohibited acts. Solomon is said to have been the wisest man but his wisdom somehow didn’t envelop Moses’ exhortation. A famous rabbi once declared that “God is spirit” (John 4:24). This means that God must be discerned spiritually not through our natural senses or through intellectual deduction. With Israel, God began revealing Himself through a record of communications between Himself and specifically chosen vessels within Israel who apparently had the capacity to discern God’s voice. We presume that this capacity was due to a gift given to the individual by God Himself. At Mt. Sinai, the people of Israel chose to have a “prophet” to function between themselves and God because they were terrified at the awesome manifestation of God (Exodus 20:18-21). This prophet was, of course, Moses. Moses interacted directly with God. He heard God’s voice and communicated His word to Israel. Moses declared that Israel “heard the sound of words, but you saw no form—only a voice” (Deuteronomy 4:12). Later, the prophet Elijah described this “voice” as a “small, silent voice” (I Kings 19:12). In addition, the prophet stood in a very special position to intercede (speak to God) on behalf of God’s people. So a two-way communication link was being established between God and His people through a specially chosen vessel. The Bible came into existence is this way. Moses declared that another was coming after him who would function in this same capacity. Since God’s voice and presence must be discerned spiritually, God prohibited a number of practices which could lead to confusion in the process of discerning His voice. These practices include: (a) causing sons and daughters to pass through the fire (practiced in the worship of Moleck, (b) divination, (c) witchcraft, (d) interpreting omens, (e) practice of sorcery, (f) casting spells, (g) functioning as a medium, (h) functioning as a spiritist, and (i) calling up the dead (Deuteronomy 18:9-13). Many of these practices seem to overlap but all deal with probing into the unseen spiritual universe attempting to establish communications with some entity there. We believe that the primary reason why these practices were forbidden by God is that they serve as counterfeits of real communication with God. My experience tells me that any person who has been deeply involved in these practices will have a very difficult time discerning the voice of the Lord. Often we “wait on the Lord” with fasting and praying to enhance our ability to “hear from God” concerning a matter. The person accustomed to occult practices will be doubled minded is such efforts and is easily deceived. Frequently, spiritual pride accompanies occult experience. Therefore, God prohibited these practices because He was separating a people who would “hear and obey” His word without occult interference. God is still looking for people for the same reason.
Posted on: Sun, 11 Aug 2013 13:23:25 +0000
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