“And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and inquire; and they shall show thee the sentence of judgment.”
This verse is part of a larger passage in Deuteronomy 17:8-13 that discusses the establishment of legal and judicial processes for the Israelites. It provides guidance on how to handle difficult cases that arise within the community.
Context and Background:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Hebrew Bible and forms part of the Torah, which contains the laws and instructions given by God to the Israelites through Moses. The book of Deuteronomy primarily consists of Moses’ speeches to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land.
In this particular passage, Moses is instructing the people regarding the appointment of judges and the administration of justice in their future society. The verse highlights the importance of seeking legal counsel and guidance from the appointed priests and judges.
Seeking Counsel:Deuteronomy 17:9 emphasizes the need for the people to approach the priests from the tribe of Levi and the appointed judges to inquire about legal matters and seek their guidance. The priests and judges were responsible for interpreting and applying God’s laws in the community. They were entrusted with the role of providing just and righteous judgments.
This verse reflects the idea that individuals should not make legal decisions in isolation but should seek wisdom and guidance from those entrusted with the responsibility of administering justice. It underscores the significance of seeking counsel from those who possess knowledge and understanding of God’s laws.
The Sentence of Judgment:The latter part of the verse states that the priests and judges will show the inquirer “the sentence of judgment.” This implies that they would provide a definitive and authoritative ruling based on God’s laws. The role of the priests and judges was to ensure that justice was upheld and that the community adhered to the principles and statutes laid down by God.
It is important to note that the judges did not create their own laws but were responsible for applying and interpreting the laws given by God. Their judgments were expected to be in line with the principles of righteousness and justice established by God.
Application:While this verse specifically addresses the Israelites’ legal system during their time, there are broader principles that can be drawn from it:
- Seek Wise Counsel:It encourages believers to seek counsel and guidance from individuals who possess wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of God’s Word when facing difficult decisions or conflicts. Consulting with knowledgeable and godly individuals can help in making wise choices.
- Uphold Justice:The verse highlights the importance of ensuring justice and righteousness in legal matters. In contemporary times, believers are called to pursue justice, fairness, and righteousness in their interactions with others and within society.
- Trust in God’s Laws:Just as the Israelites were expected to adhere to the laws given by God, believers are called to live according to God’s principles and commands found in the Bible. God’s laws provide guidance and wisdom for leading a righteous and just life.
In summary, Deuteronomy 17:9 emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel from the appointed priests and judges in matters of judgment. It underscores the need for justice, the authority of God’s laws, and the value of seeking wisdom from those knowledgeable in God’s Word.
