“And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites.”
This verse is part of a larger passage in Deuteronomy 17:14-20 that provides instructions for the appointment and conduct of future kings in Israel. It sets forth guidelines for the king’s behavior and responsibilities. Let’s explore the verse in its context and consider its significance:
The Role of the King:In ancient Israel, the king held a position of authority and leadership over the people. This passage addresses the time when the king would sit upon the throne of his kingdom, indicating his assumption of power and responsibility.
Writing a Copy of the Law:The verse states that the king is to write a copy of “this law” in a book. “This law” refers to the book of Deuteronomy, which contains the laws and commandments given by God to the Israelites. Writing a copy of the law emphasizes the king’s obligation to be well-acquainted with God’s instructions and to govern according to them.
Source of the Copy:The verse specifies that the king should write the copy of the law from the existing book that is “before the priests the Levites.” This highlights the authority and accuracy of the written Scriptures, which were kept and preserved by the priests from the tribe of Levi. The king is to obtain the copy from the religious leaders who are responsible for safeguarding the law.
Significance and Purpose:The act of writing a copy of the law serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it ensures that the king is familiar with the laws and commandments of God. This knowledge is essential for the king to rule with wisdom, justice, and righteousness. Secondly, it reinforces the principle that the king is subject to God’s law and should govern in accordance with it. Writing a personal copy of the law would impress upon the king the gravity of his role and the importance of adhering to God’s standards.
Spiritual and Moral Guidance:The requirement for the king to write a copy of the law also highlights the spiritual and moral dimensions of leadership. It emphasizes that the king’s authority should be exercised within the framework of God’s principles and that the king should be accountable to God for his actions. This reinforces the idea that the king’s role extends beyond mere political governance and carries a spiritual and ethical responsibility towards the nation.
In summary, Deuteronomy 17:18 emphasizes the importance of the king’s familiarity with God’s law and his obligation to govern in accordance with it. The act of writing a copy of the law from the existing Scriptures signifies the king’s accountability, both to God and to the people, and reinforces the spiritual and moral dimensions of leadership. This verse serves as a reminder that all leaders should be rooted in God’s principles and seek His guidance in their decision-making processes.
