Deuteronomy 17:11

According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.

Deuteronomy 17:11 (KJV)

Context

Moses spoke these words as Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land. He gave instructions for a just legal system, including judges and officials. This verse belongs to a larger passage about difficult cases that were to be brought to a higher court at the place the Lord would choose (Deuteronomy 17:8-10). The priests and judges served there, and their duty was to teach and apply God’s law faithfully.

Meaning

The phrase “according to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee” shows that the judges did not create new laws. They explained and applied the law God had already given. Their authority was real, but it rested on their agreement with God’s Word. The “judgment which they shall tell thee” refers to the specific decision in each case. The command not to turn “to the right hand, nor to the left” is a vivid picture of complete obedience. No deviation was allowed, whether small or large. This strict command applied to every ruling, and it still calls for careful, faithful handling of Scripture.

Biblical connections

This call to wholehearted obedience appears throughout Deuteronomy. For example, Deuteronomy 5:32 urges Israel to follow God’s commands without turning aside. The same language reminds readers that God’s law is the foundation of justice. Human judges must be obeyed as they faithfully teach and apply that law. Yet their rulings are never above God’s Word itself. The verse also shows that God’s law is the standard for all judgment, and human authority is valid only when it aligns with that standard.

Application

For today, this verse teaches respect for godly authority. Believers are called to honor those who teach and apply Scripture, as long as their instruction agrees with the Bible. It also warns against personal bias, bribery, or corruption in any system of judgment. The principle of impartial justice remains valuable for every society. Christians should support fairness and integrity in courts and in daily decisions. When we face difficult choices, we can seek wise counsel from those who know God’s Word, while always testing their advice against Scripture itself.

Reflection

Perfect obedience to God’s law is beyond human strength. This points to Christ, who kept the law completely and now serves as the righteous judge. His example gives hope to all who fail. Through Him, believers receive mercy and the power to walk in faithful obedience.