Deuteronomy 17

Chapter Summary

Deuteronomy chapter 17 begins by addressing the issue of sacrificing defective animals to God, emphasizing the importance of offering only the best to Him (Deuteronomy 17:1). The chapter then turns to the role of judges and the need for impartial justice, warning against showing favoritism or accepting bribes (Deuteronomy 17:8-13). The section on kings (Deuteronomy 17:14-20) provides guidelines for their behavior, including the requirement that they write out a copy of God's law and read it daily to ensure they remain humble and obedient. The chapter concludes with a warning against turning to mediums or spiritists for guidance, instead encouraging the people to look to God's appointed leaders and His law for direction (Deuteronomy 17:12, Deuteronomy 17:18). Throughout the chapter, Moses emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and the need for leaders to model this faithfulness for the people.

Context for the Chapter

Deuteronomy chapter 17 is part of the larger section of the book that deals with the covenant and the responsibilities that come with it. This chapter fits into the book's narrative by emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and the need for leaders to model this faithfulness for the people. In the larger biblical narrative, this chapter looks forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who will fulfill God's law and provide the ultimate example of just and righteous leadership. The chapter also connects to other Old Testament passages, such as 1 Samuel 8:1-22, where the Israelites ask for a king, and 2 Samuel 7:1-17, where God establishes the Davidic covenant.

Heart Application

As believers, we are called to be faithful to God's covenant and to live in obedience to His law. This chapter encourages us to look to Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of just and righteous leadership, and to follow Him in our own lives. We are also reminded of the importance of humble, obedient leadership in the church, and the need for leaders to model faithfulness to God's covenant for the people.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Deuteronomy chapter 17 is about the importance of having good leaders who follow God's laws. It says that the leaders should not be mean or unfair, but should always try to do what is right. The chapter also says that the people should always follow God's laws and not try to find other ways to get guidance. In Deuteronomy 17:1, it says that we should not offer defective animals to God, and in Deuteronomy 17:19, it says that the king should read God's law every day to learn to fear Him.

Voices from the Church

“The king is not to consider himself above the law, but rather to be a servant of the law, and to rule in accordance with its principles.”

— John Calvin

“The law of God is not a burden, but a blessing, and those who obey it will find joy and peace in their lives.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Chapter (Deuteronomy 17:1) — The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of offering only the best to God, highlighting the need for faithfulness and obedience in worship.
2. The Role of Judges (Deuteronomy 17:8-13) — This section emphasizes the importance of impartial justice, warning against showing favoritism or accepting bribes.
3. The King and God's Law (Deuteronomy 17:14-20) — The guidelines for the king's behavior are provided, including the requirement that he write out a copy of God's law and read it daily.
4. Warning Against Mediums and Spiritists (Deuteronomy 17:12, Deuteronomy 17:18) — The chapter concludes with a warning against turning to mediums or spiritists for guidance, instead encouraging the people to look to God's appointed leaders and His law for direction.
5. Conclusion (Deuteronomy 17:20) — The chapter ends with a reiteration of the importance of obedience to God's law and the consequences of disobedience.

Core Doctrines

The Importance of Obedience

This chapter teaches that obedience to God's law is essential for a right relationship with Him, and that disobedience will result in judgment and discipline.

The Role of Leadership

The chapter emphasizes the importance of just and righteous leadership, highlighting the need for leaders to model faithfulness to God's covenant for the people.

The Centrality of God's Law

God's law is central to this chapter, serving as the standard by which leaders and the people are to live and make decisions.

The Need for Humility

The chapter encourages leaders to be humble and obedient, recognizing their limitations and their need for God's guidance and direction.

Lessons from Deuteronomy 17

1. The Importance of Faithfulness — This chapter teaches that faithfulness to God's covenant is essential for a right relationship with Him, and that disobedience will result in judgment and discipline.
2. The Role of Leadership in the Church — The chapter emphasizes the importance of just and righteous leadership in the church, highlighting the need for leaders to model faithfulness to God's covenant for the people.
3. The Need for Humility in Leadership — The chapter encourages leaders to be humble and obedient, recognizing their limitations and their need for God's guidance and direction.
4. The Centrality of God's Law — God's law is central to this chapter, serving as the standard by which leaders and the people are to live and make decisions.
5. The Importance of Reverence for God — The chapter encourages believers to cultivate a deeper reverence for God and a commitment to upholding His standards of justice and righteousness in their own lives.

Themes from Deuteronomy 17

1. Leadership — The chapter emphasizes the importance of just and righteous leadership, highlighting the need for leaders to model faithfulness to God's covenant for the people.
2. Obedience — The chapter teaches that obedience to God's law is essential for a right relationship with Him, and that disobedience will result in judgment and discipline.
3. Humility — The chapter encourages leaders to be humble and obedient, recognizing their limitations and their need for God's guidance and direction.
4. Reverence for God — The chapter encourages believers to cultivate a deeper reverence for God and a commitment to upholding His standards of justice and righteousness in their own lives.
5. The Centrality of God's Law — God's law is central to this chapter, serving as the standard by which leaders and the people are to live and make decisions.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that you can demonstrate obedience to God's law in your daily life?
2. How can you, as a believer, model faithfulness to God's covenant for others to see?
3. What are some potential consequences of disobedience to God's law, and how can you avoid them in your own life?
4. In what ways can you, as a leader or a follower, promote just and righteous leadership in your church or community?
5. How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God and a commitment to upholding His standards of justice and righteousness in your own life?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Deuteronomy 17

	Sermon	Description
	Beware of a Satanic Set-Up by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the urgency of the times, stating that the night is far spent and the day is at hand. He urges the listeners to cast off the work
	Are You Ready for a Relationship? by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of media and video games on our perception of reality. He highlights how the constant bombardment of fantastical images and experie
	How Quickly We Turn Aside by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers of idolatry and how it can lead people away from God. He emphasizes that idols can take many forms, such as sports, entertainment
	(Through the Bible) Ecclesiastes 7-12 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering God in one's youth. He highlights that most conversions to Jesus Christ happen during the teenage years and en
	(Through the Bible) 1 Kings 9-16 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses various biblical stories and teachings. He emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and following His word. The sermon includes th
	(Through the Bible) Deuteronomy 17-20 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Moses is giving his final instructions to the children of Israel before his death. He emphasizes the importance of offering sacrifices that are valuable and not cas
	Personal Revival by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the speaker shares personal stories and experiences to illustrate the importance of acknowledging one's sins and seeking God's forgiveness. He recounts a childhood
	Wait Upon the Lord by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of Jesus shedding his blood as a proof of his commitment to his words. The sermon references the story of Rachel weeping fo
	How to Study Your Bible - Part 2 by Kay Arthur	In this video, Kay Arthur presents part two of her sermon on how to study the Bible. She emphasizes the importance of studying the word of God and teaches the audience how to conne
	Look to God and Not to Egypt by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of trusting in God rather than relying on worldly wealth and success. He shares a story about a visit from an older person who

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Deuteronomy 17

In this chapter, Moses emphasizes the importance of just and righteous leadership in Israel, highlighting the need for leaders to model faithfulness to God's covenant for the people. The section on the king provides guidelines for their behavior, including the requirement that they write out a copy of God's law and read it daily. This is meant to cultivate a deep reverence for God and a commitment to upholding His standards of justice and righteousness. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The king is not to consider himself above the law, but rather to be a servant of the law, and to rule in accordance with its principles.' The chapter concludes with a warning against turning to mediums or spiritists for guidance, instead encouraging the people to look to God's appointed leaders and His law for direction. Throughout the chapter, Henry emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and the need for leaders to model this faithfulness for the people, highlighting the ultimate fulfillment of these principles in Jesus Christ, the King of kings. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?