The Prophet Like Moses

Based on Deuteronomy 18:15

“Adonai your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your midst—from your brothers. To him you must listen.”— Deuteronomy 18:15 (TLV)

A Promise in the Torah

When Moses neared the end of his life, he assured Israel that God would raise up another prophet—unique, powerful, and divinely authorized. Unlike other prophets who received visions and dreams, this Prophet would speak God’s word directly, as Moses did. The grammar in the Hebrew text emphasizes a single prophet, not a line of prophets. This points beyond Joshua, beyond the Judges, and even beyond the great prophets of Israel’s history, toward one ultimate figure.

How Moses Was Unique

Scripture itself acknowledges the uniqueness of Moses:

• “There has not risen again a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom Adonai knew face to face.” (Deut. 34:10)

• Moses was an intimate friend of God, a mediator, a law-giver, a deliverer, and a miracle worker whose deeds were done in full view of Israel and Egypt alike (Deut. 34:11–12; Num. 12:6–8).

This raises the question: who else could embody these qualities? Who could be “like Moses” in such an unparalleled way?

The Jewish Expectation

In the centuries leading up to Yeshua’s coming, Second Temple Jewish writings—including the Targum Jonathan and Midrash Rabbah—interpreted Deuteronomy 18 as Messianic. This anticipation is reflected in John’s Gospel, where the priests and Levites ask John the Immerser: “Are you the Prophet?” (John 1:21). Clearly, many were waiting for someone greater than any prophet they had known.

Alfred Edersheim, in The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, comments that the reference in John 1:21 “is undoubtedly to Deut. 18:15, 18,” highlighting how strongly this expectation was tied to the coming of Messiah.

Yeshua the Prophet Like Moses

The New Covenant writings make the claim plain: Yeshua is the Prophet like Moses. He spoke with authority, declaring only what the Father gave Him (John 12:49–50). His miracles—healing the sick, raising the dead, feeding the multitudes—were public and mighty. He mediated a new covenant (Jer. 31:31–34), just as Moses mediated the Sinai covenant.

At the Transfiguration, the Father’s voice confirmed this fulfillment:“This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” (Matt. 17:5).Here, the echo of Deuteronomy 18 is unmistakable: God commands His people to listen to Him.

More Than a Prophet

Yet Yeshua is more than a prophet. He is also Priest and King, embodying the fullness of God’s plan. As Prophet, He reveals God’s word; as Priest, He intercedes and brings atonement; as King, He rules and delivers His people.

Moses pointed forward, but Yeshua is the ultimate fulfillment.

Our Response: Listen to Him

The call of Deuteronomy 18 remains urgent: “To him you must listen.”In a world full of competing voices, only one speaks with the authority of heaven. Yeshua is the promised Prophet like Moses, and our calling is not just to admire Him, but to obey Him.