Not to listen to a false prophet

Idolatry – עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה

• Rambam (Avodat Kochavim 5:2) states that heeding a false prophet leads directly to avodah zarah. Talmud (Sanhedrin 90a) explains that following such prophets is like abandoning Hashem’s covenant. Sefer HaChinuch (516) teaches that the Torah removes all legitimacy from their words to protect Israel’s faith.

Prophecy – נְבוּאָה

• Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 9:2) codifies that prophecy cannot contradict Sinai. Rashi (Deut. 13:6) stresses that miracles prove nothing if the message violates Torah. Talmud (Sanhedrin 91a) insists prophecy’s standard is always Torah itself. Ramban emphasizes that Torah sanctifies true prophecy, rejecting impostors.

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Midrash (Sifrei 84) calls rejecting false prophets a test of emunah. Rambam explains that Hashem permits signs to appear through them only to test loyalty. Sefer HaChinuch says true faith rests not on wonders but on Sinai’s eternal covenant.

Core Beliefs – יְסוֹדוֹת הָאֱמוּנָה

• Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Negative Commandment 23) lists this mitzvah as essential to safeguard ikarei emunah. Ramban explains that tolerating false prophecy undermines Torah’s eternity. Talmud (Sanhedrin 90b) affirms Torah cannot be changed, forming a pillar of belief.

Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

• Rambam states that reverence for Heaven requires rejecting claims that dishonor Torah. Rashi highlights that awe of Hashem is tested when dazzling wonders tempt us to stray. Midrash frames refusal as true yirat Shamayim — loyalty above all.

Community – קְהִלָּה

• Ramban warns that listening to false prophets corrodes the kehilla. Talmud (Sanhedrin 90a) stresses their words threaten Israel collectively. Sefer HaChinuch adds that only communal rejection secures covenantal survival.

Justice – צֶדֶק

• Rambam explains that justice requires punishing false prophets and rejecting their words. Talmud (Sanhedrin 89a) equates accepting them with injustice, for it spreads lies in G-d’s name. Ramban notes that true justice preserves Torah’s integrity.

Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

• Rambam explains that listening to a false prophet is direct betrayal of Hashem. Sefer HaChinuch calls this a sin entirely between man and G-d, as it severs deveikut. Rashi notes that Torah’s command is cleaving to Hashem, not impostors.