JUL 21

Deuteronomy 17:14-20
Memorise Deuteronomy 17:18-19
“that he may learn to fear the LORD his God”

Tucked away somewhere in the middle of the book of Deuteronomy, comes a rather interesting section where God gives certain instructions that describe certain things that the king of Israel would need to take note of. Remember that this was given in the time of Moses, about 400 years before Israel would have its first king. Yet God in His providence and wisdom saw fit to give these instructions first, so that when they finally did get a king, they would know what to do to ensure that he would be a godly one.

There were 3 prohibitions and 1 requirement in the selection of a king. First, he was not to multiply horses, lest he became self-confident and trusted in his own arm of flesh (Psalm 20:7). Horses were mainly found in Egypt, and that was another reason why he should not seek after them, for Egypt was the very place that they had been delivered from. They should not return there to bolster their military might. Rather, they should learn to trust in God. Second, he was not to multiply wives to himself, for God hates the sin of polygamy. God’s intent has always been for one man to have one wife, and any more would be adultery. Furthermore, wives were often taken by kings for the purpose of strategic political alliances. The nation Israel was to be separate from the world and a witness for God. Any alliances that they made would inevitably be with heathen idolatrous nations, and this would turn their hearts away from God, as happened to Solomon and so many other kings. Finally, kings were not to multiply silver and gold unto themselves, for it was not for money or treasures that they were to serve. Greed can so often get in the way of godly service, and again turn a king away from God. If he was in office simply to seek after wealth and luxury, he would make a very poor king indeed.

Instead of seeking after all these things, the king was to spend his time seeking the most important thing, and that is the Word of God. Upon coming to office he was to write out a copy of the law, and read it all the days of his life, that it would be a constant guide to him in all that he did, and cause him to walk close to the Lord. If he did so, then he would learn to fear the Lord and keep His commandments, and be a godly king to his people.

Thought: The requirements of kings make good Christians as well.
Prayer: Lord, may You help me to abide in Thy Word, that I may learn to fear You and keep Your commandments as well.