To listen to the prophet speaking in His Name

Prophecy – נְבוּאָה

• Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 7:1–2) establishes that once a prophet demonstrates legitimacy through the Torah’s tests, obedience to him is a mitzvah. Talmud (Sanhedrin 89a) warns that disregarding a prophet is punishable by death, showing prophecy’s absolute authority. Sefer HaChinuch (516) notes that prophets act as Hashem’s direct messengers, guiding Israel in unique moments of need, and their words carry the force of Torah itself when true.

Core Beliefs – יְסוֹדוֹת הָאֱמוּנָה

• Ramban (Deut. 18:15) explains that prophecy is an extension of Sinai: Hashem promised Moshe that future prophets would continue his role as intermediary. Sefer HaChinuch (516) emphasizes that without prophecy, faith might seem static, but prophecy demonstrates Hashem’s ongoing presence in history. Talmud (Berachot 31a) shows how prophets reinforced emunah during crises by directing the people toward teshuvah.

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Rashi (Deut. 18:15) interprets Israel’s request at Sinai — not to hear Hashem’s voice directly but through Moshe — as an act of faith, trusting in Hashem’s choice of an intermediary. Mechilta (Yitro 19) teaches that prophecy requires faith in both Hashem and the prophet, since the prophet is merely a conduit. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim II:45) adds that prophecy strengthens emunah by making Divine wisdom accessible through human language.

Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

• Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 10:1) writes that treating a prophet’s word lightly is tantamount to rebellion against Hashem. Talmud (Shabbat 87a) illustrates this when Israel hesitated to obey Moshe, highlighting that reverence requires full trust. Ramban explains that awe of Heaven includes fear of dismissing Hashem’s emissaries, whose authority rests on His command.

Torah – תּוֹרָה

• Midrash Sifrei (Deut. 18:18) teaches that a prophet never brings new Torah but clarifies and applies it, always consistent with Sinai. Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 9:1) codifies that if a prophet contradicts Torah permanently, he is false. This mitzvah shows how Torah and prophecy intertwine: Torah is eternal, and prophecy is its living voice in history.

Ten Commandments – עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדִּבְּרוֹת

• Ramban (Deut. 18:15) ties this mitzvah back to the Aseret HaDibrot, particularly the opening of “Anochi Hashem Elokecha.” Prophecy affirms that Hashem continues to speak through His chosen agents, extending the revelation at Sinai into future generations. The Midrash (Mechilta d’Rashbi) calls prophecy a “living Sinai” that renews the covenant in every age.

Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

• Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Pos. 172) stresses that listening to prophets is a mitzvah between man and Hashem, since the prophet’s words are His command. Talmud (Sanhedrin 99a) says rejecting a prophet equals rejecting Hashem Himself, showing that this mitzvah is pure covenantal loyalty.

Community – קְהִלָּה

• Sefer HaChinuch (516) explains that prophets guided Israel in times of danger, famine, and war, strengthening the community’s resilience. Midrash Rabbah (Deut. 1:14) portrays prophets as shepherds of the people, ensuring collective direction. Their voice unified Israel, binding them to Hashem’s covenant not only individually but as a nation.