Deuteronomy Chapter 18 Summary - Key Points & Themes

Read Deuteronomy Chapter 18 Summary

Levitical priests receive no inheritance but live from sacrificial portions and firstfruits; Levites from other towns may serve at the central sanctuary. Canaanite divination practices are utterly forbidden: no child sacrifice, divination, soothsaying, augury, sorcery, mediums, or necromancy. God will raise up a prophet like Moses from among the brothers, and words that don't come to pass identify false prophets who must be executed.

Characters in This Chapter

Moses

Faithful servant of God who delivers his final addresses to Israel before his death

Joshua

Successor to Moses, commissioned to lead Israel into the Promised Land

Places in This Chapter

Plains of Moab

Location where Moses delivered his final addresses to Israel

Mount Nebo

Mountain where Moses viewed the Promised Land and died

Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai (Horeb), where God gave the law, referenced throughout Moses' addresses

Position in Book

First Address: Historical ReviewChapters 1-4

Second Address: The Law RestatedChapters 5-26

The Ten Commandments repeated, the Shema given, laws for worship, leadership, social justice, and covenant life in the land.

Third Address: Covenant RenewalChapters 27-30

Final EventsChapters 31-34