10

Not to test the prophet unduly

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

"Do not test the L-rd, your G-d"

This mitzvah forbids testing a prophet in ways not permitted by the Torah. Once a prophet has been verified according to the prescribed signs, it is forbidden to demand further proofs of his authenticity. Excessive testing expresses doubt in Hashem’s choice and undermines the role of prophecy as a channel of divine communication.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Negative Commandment 64): Warns not to doubt a prophet once he is established by Torah criteria.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 424): Emphasizes that continued testing weakens people’s faith in prophecy and dishonors Hashem.
  • Talmud (Sanhedrin 89b): Permissible tests are only those defined in the Torah; beyond that, testing becomes a violation.
(Source: Chabad.org)
:פָּרָשַׁת וָאֶתְחַנַּן - לֹ֣א תְנַסּ֔וּ אֶת־יְהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר נִסִּיתֶ֖ם בַּמַּסָּֽה
Deuteronomy 6:16 - You shall not try the L-rd, your G-d, as you tried Him in Massah.

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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Speech - דָּבָר

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Pertains to the power of speech—both positive and negative—including lashon hara, vows, and blessings.

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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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