This week's Old Testament text comes from the central or legal section of the book of Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26). This is most likely the so-called "Book of Law " that was "rediscovered" by King Josiah and inspired the "reform of Josiah" about 621 B.C. (2 Kings 22-23).

While the bulk of this "Book of Law" takes long-established laws and concretely applies them to new situations, the unit read today does not seem to share that kind of heritage. Instead, 18:15-22 must be read in connection with the list of prohibitions described beginning in 18:9. This list of activities and behaviors, some utterly heinous (child sacrifice), some probably harmless (seeking oracles from the dead), all share in common an attempt by men and women to determine God's will and foresee God's future plans.

Stayi…