Deuteronomy 18: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Deuteronomy 18 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The Levitical priests, the tribe of Levi, shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. Yahweh is their inheritance, and they eat offerings made to Yahweh (vv. 1-2).

Key verse

“Yahweh your God will raise up to you a prophet from among you, of your brothers, like me. You shall listen to him.”
Deuteronomy 18:15 (WEB)

Outline

Deuteronomy 18:1–2 Role of the Levitical Priests
Deuteronomy 18:3–5 Priestly Provisions
Deuteronomy 18:6–8 Foreign Levites Accepted
Deuteronomy 18:9–14 Rejection of Pagan Practices
Deuteronomy 18:15–19 The Coming Prophet
Deuteronomy 18:20–22 Warnings Against False Prophets

Discussion questions

In v1, what is said to be the priests’ 'inheritance'?
What does Yahweh choose them for in v5?
The command in v13 mentions being 'perfect': what does this term entail for the Israelites?
The warning about false prophets in v20 raises questions: what defines a 'presumptuous' prophet?
When might you seek guidance in a way that does not align with God's commands as mentioned in v10?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Deuteronomy 18: John 5, John 1, Acts 3.

Before next time: read Deuteronomy 19.