In Deuteronomy 18:15-22 and Deuteronomy 13:1-5 God listed five certifying signs by which a true prophet of God could be recognized:
(1) A prophet must be an Israelite, “from among [his] own brothers” (Deuteronomy 18:15) (Balaam is the exception that proves this rule and we by grace through Christ Jesus);
(2) He must speak in the name of the Lord (“If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name” [Deuteronomy 18:19]);
(3) he must be able to predict the near as well as the distant future (“If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken” [ Deuteronomy 18:22 ]);
(4) He must be able to predict signs and wonders (Deut 13:2); and
(5) His words must conform to the previous revelation that God has given (Deut 13:2-3).