45

Not to be afraid of killing the false prophet

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Prophecy – נְבוּאָה

We are not to fear a false prophet simply because he appears to be a holy individual who feigns to speak in G‑d's name.

This mitzvah forbids showing fear or hesitation in carrying out the punishment of a false prophet. Even if he appears persuasive or influential, the Torah commands that he be judged and executed if he speaks falsely in Hashem’s Name or promotes idolatry. By not fearing him, we affirm that truth and Torah stand above any person or charisma.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 5:7–8): The prohibition ensures that Israel does not shrink from confronting false prophets, even if they are prominent.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 517): The root is to strengthen the nation’s faith, making clear that falsehood has no power over Hashem’s truth.
  • Talmud (Sanhedrin 90a–91a): Teaches that false prophets are to be exposed without fear, and their death removes spiritual corruption from Israel.
(Source: Chabad.org)
אֲשֶׁר֩ יְדַבֵּ֨ר הַנָּבִ֜יא בְּשֵׁ֣ם יְהֹוָ֗ה וְלֹֽא־יִהְיֶ֤ה הַדָּבָר֙ וְלֹ֣א יָבֹ֔א ה֣וּא הַדָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־דִבְּר֖וֹ יְהֹוָ֑ה בְּזָדוֹן֙ דִּבְּר֣וֹ הַנָּבִ֔יא לֹ֥א תָג֖וּר מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת שׁוֹפְטִים
Deuteronomy 18:22 - "If the prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, and the thing does not occur and does not come about, that is the thing the Lord did not speak. The prophet has spoken it wantonly; you shall not be afraid of him."

This Mitzvah's Fundamentals

Prophecy - נְבוּאָה

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Associated with belief in and obedience to G‑d’s prophets, as well as reverence for their role in transmitting Divine truth.

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Faith - אֱמוּנָה

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Represents Emunah—the deep, inner trust in Hashem’s presence, oneness, and constant involvement in our lives. This badge symbolizes a heartfelt connection to G-d, rooted in belief even when we cannot see. It is the emotional and spiritual core of many mitzvot.

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