Meditation
A COPY OF THIS LAW IN A BOOK
Text: Deuteronomy 17:14-20
16 May 2021
A DIVINE PROPHECY
God anticipated the day when Israel would demand a king to rule over them. This prophetic word was given to Moses (Deuteronomy 17:14-20).
- Prophetically
a) Moses gave a forewarning
b) This was a prophetic word
- Historically
a) This word was fulfilled
i) In the days of Samuel
ii) King Saul was the first king of Israel
b) The demand for a king
i) This was predictable
ii) Every other nation had a king except Israel
A DIVINE COMMAND
God made provision for the day when Israel would have a king. Among others words of admonition, the Lord added this word.
18 “Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites.
19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes,
20 that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel. Deuteronomy 17:18-20
- What the king must do
a) To make a copy of the Law of God
b) This may be obtained from the Levites and Priests
- The command from the Lord
a) He must read the Law all the days of his life
b) He must learn to fear the LORD his God
c) He must carefully give heed to what he reads
- The desired outcome
a) His heart would not be lifted up above his brethren
i) He would not oppress his brethren
ii) He would humbly uphold justice
b) He would not turn left right
i) He would be faithful to the Lord
ii) He would walk in obedience
In response, the Lord would give His blessings to the king who reads the Scriptures!