Deuteronomy 18 Summary

Moses sets forth the inheritance and material provisions due to the Levitical priests: because the LORD himself is their inheritance, they receive no territorial allotment but are supported by specified portions of sacrifices, firstfruits of grain, wine, and oil, and the first of the fleece. Any Levite who travels to the central sanctuary may minister there alongside his fellow Levites and share equally in their portions. Moses then strictly forbids Israel from imitating the occult practices of the surrounding nations — including child sacrifice by fire, divination, sorcery, consulting familiar spirits, and necromancy — declaring all such things an abomination that caused those nations to be driven out. Finally, Moses promises that the LORD will raise up a Prophet from among Israel's own brethren, like Moses himself, whose words must be heeded; the LORD provides a clear test for false prophecy — any word spoken in his name that does not come to pass is not from him, and the false prophet shall die.