The tenth chapter of Yesodei HaTorah concludes the Rambam’s discussion of the foundations of Torah. After clarifying the nature of Hashem, the meaning of mitzvot, and the structure of prophecy, the Rambam now addresses a crucial question:

How can we identify a true prophet?

The five halakhot of this chapter revolve around three central themes:

1. Criteria for prophetic authenticity
2. The distinction between positive and negative prophecies
3. Recognition of a prophet through another prophet

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Miracles are not the primary proof

It is tempting to assume that prophets are validated through supernatural wonders — events that visibly defy nature.

However, the Rambam establishes a striking principle:

A miracle that alters nature is not the decisive proof of prophecy.

Why?

Because extraordinary phenomena may also result from illusion, deception, or non-divine forces. A miracle may accompany prophecy, but it does not establish credibility.

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The true verification: fulfilled prophecy

If miracles are not sufficient, what is the authentic test?

The Rambam answers clearly:

The proof of a prophet lies in the precise fulfillment of predictions.

A true prophet:

• Announces future events
• Is tested repeatedly
• Does not err even in details

One correct prediction may be coincidence.
Two may appear as luck.
But consistent, flawless accuracy indicates a higher source.

The classical example is Shmuel:

“None of his words fell to the ground.”

All Israel recognized his authenticity because every prophecy was fulfilled exactly.

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Astrologers and seers: why are they different?

An objection naturally arises:

Astrologers and diviners also seem to foresee the future.

The Torah itself describes:

• Nimrod’s astrologers sensing Avraham’s birth
• Pharaoh’s astrologers anticipating Moshe

So what distinguishes them from prophets?

The Rambam introduces a fundamental distinction:

Astrologers grasp fragments, not totality.

Their predictions:

• Are partial
• Lack absolute precision
• Mix truth and error
• Contain inaccuracies

Authentic prophecy, by contrast:

• Is the word of Hashem
• Is entirely true
• Contains no error

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Pure grain and straw

The prophet Yirmeyahu expresses this through a powerful metaphor:

• Human dreams and visions → straw mixed with grain
• Divine word → pure grain

Even a single error reveals a non-divine source.
True prophecy admits no inaccuracy.

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The purpose of a prophet

A prophet does not come to:

❌ Found a new religion
❌ Add mitzvot
❌ Remove mitzvot
❌ Display spectacular powers

A prophet comes to:

✅ Guide the people
✅ Warn and correct
✅ Strengthen the Torah
✅ Transmit the divine message

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Positive and Negative Prophecies

Negative prophecies may be annulled

If a prophet predicts:

• Punishment
• Famine
• War
• Disaster

…and it does not occur, this is not immediate proof of falsehood.

Why?

Because Hashem is merciful:

• Erech Apayim – Slow to anger
• Rav Chesed – Abundant in kindness

Repentance may cancel or delay a decree.

Classic example: Yonah and Nineveh.

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Positive prophecies are never annulled

By contrast:

A positive prophecy cannot be revoked.

If Hashem promises:

• Blessing
• Prosperity
• Salvation

…the promise remains.

If it fails → the prophet is false.

This becomes the decisive test of authenticity.

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Yaakov’s fear of Esav

Yaakov received positive promises, yet he feared.

The Rambam clarifies:

✔ Personal promise ≠
✔ Public prophetic declaration

A promise proclaimed publicly through prophecy acquires irrevocable status.

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Two levels of promises

Commentators distinguish:

1. Absolute promises → never revoked
2. Conditional promises → influenced by merit

Yet once a promise is:

• Declared through a prophet
• Proclaimed publicly

→ It cannot be annulled.

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Recognition through another prophet

If an established prophet declares:

“This person is a prophet”

No further proof is required.

• No miracles
• No predictive tests

The prophetic chain itself guarantees validity.

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Conclusion of the chapter

The Rambam defines two definitive criteria:

A prophet is recognized when:

✔ Predictions are fulfilled with perfect precision
or
✔ Confirmed by another authentic prophet

From that point onward:

It is forbidden to cast systematic doubt on the prophet’s legitimacy.

Continuous skepticism would undermine the very principle of prophecy.

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Conceptual Epilogue

This chapter reminds us that:

• Prophecy is divine truth
• The Torah is immutable
• The good promised by Hashem prevails

And that the prophet’s role is not to astonish, but to illuminate, guide, and reinforce fidelity to the Torah.