Matthew Poole and continuators on Deuteronomy 13:3

3 Thou shalt not hearken to the words of that prophet , or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God proveth you , to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul.

Not receive his doctrine though the sign come to pass. For although when such a sign or wonder foretold did not follow or come to pass, it was a sign of a false prophet, as is said Deut. 18. 22. yet when it did come to pass, it was no sufficient or infallible sign of a true one, especially in such a case when he brings in new Gods. The reason of the difference is, because many causes must concurre to make a thing good and true, but any one failure is sufficient to make a thing bad or false. And particularly there are many signs yea such as men may think to be wonders which may be wrought by evil spirits, God so permiting it for divers wise and just reasons, not onely for the trial of the good, as it here follows, but also for the punishment of ungodly men who would not receive Divine Truths though attested by many evident and unquestionable miracles and therefore are most justly exposed to these temptations to believe lies.

(i. e.) Tryeth your faith and love and obedience, examineth your sincerity by your constancy. See Mat. 24. 24. 2 Thes. 2. 11. Rev. 13. 14. See on Gen. 22. 1. Deut. 8. 2, 7.

That he may know it, to wit, judicially, or in a publick manner so as both you and others may know and see it, that so the justice of his judgments upon you may be more evident and glorious.

Marginal references: 1 Cor. 11. 19.