Does this passage predict the prophet Muhammad as Muslim apologists claim? (c.f. Jn. 14:16)

Claim:

The Quran claims that Muhammad was predicted in the Hebrew Bible (Surah 7:157). Thus Muslim apologists argue that this passage is predicting Muhammad as the future prophet that would come after Moses.

Response:

This passage in Deuteronomy 18:15 specifically predicts a Jewish person (“…from your countrymen…”). This must refer to the Jewish people—not the Arabs. In context, Moses uses the term “countrymen” to refer specifically to the Levites (18:2) and the tribes of Israel (18:5). In fact, earlier, Moses contrasts the countryman with the “foreigner” (17:15). Instead, this prediction finds its fulfillment in Jesus of Nazareth (see comments on Deut. 18:15).

About The Author
James Rochford

James earned a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, graduating magna cum laude. He is the founder of Evidence Unseen and the author of several books. James enjoys serving as a pastor at Dwell Community Church in Columbus, Ohio, where he lives with his wife and their two sons.