Deuteronomy 17:18-20

18 When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the Levitical priests.

19 It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees

20 and not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY 17

This chapter begins with a caution not to sacrifice anything to the Lord that is blemished or ill favoured, De 17:1, an order is given to put to death men or women guilty of idolatry, where it is clearly proved upon them, De 17:2-7 and it is directed that when cases are too hard for inferior judges to determine, they should be brought to Jerusalem to the priests, Levites, and judges, which formed the great consistory there, whose sentence was to be adhered unto on pain of death, De 17:8-13, and rules are given about the choice of a king, and he is informed what he must not do, and what he should do, De 17:14-20.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Kings 1:46; 1 Chronicles 29:23
• 2. Deuteronomy 31:22,24; Joshua 24:26; 1 Samuel 10:25
• 3. 2 Chronicles 23:11
• 4. Deuteronomy 4:9-10; Joshua 1:8
• 5. Deuteronomy 11:13; 1 Kings 3:3; 1 Kings 11:38; 2 Kings 22:2
• 6. Joshua 23:6; Job 23:12; Psalms 119:102; 1 Kings 15:5
• 7. S Deuteronomy 5:32; S 1 Kings 9:4
• 8. 1 Samuel 8:5; 1 Samuel 10:25; 1 Kings 2:3; 1 Chronicles 28:8