Deuteronomy 17

Chap. XVII. Ver. 1—20. Provision respecting a kingly government.—All the adjacent nations being monarchies, surrounded with splendour in different degrees, it was natural to anticipate that the Israelites, who were but too fond of imitating them, would, in course of time, also want a king; and without blaming or commending this form of government, provision is here made to direct their conduct. The government introduced by Moses, usually called the “Hebrew Republic,” differed very materially from all others, in that it was under the supreme control of heaven, and was therefore called a Theocracy. Consider Moses as the president and director of this republic, still he was only the agent and servant of Jehovah, whose will was a law in no case to be disputed; whose throne on earth was erected between the cherubim; but who at the same time had a throne in heaven, which controlled the uni- The great misfortune of absolute governments is, that the head of them is always imperfect in wisdom and prudence, and often also in moral probity; but here was a Sovereign equally perfect in wisdom, in equity, and in goodness.

But the Jews had the same objection to their King as men have in general to their Maker; he was too great, too wise, too much exalted above themselves. Every man naturally loves a god partaking of the same frailties with himself, in the hope of meeting with indulgence to his vices. “A God full-orb’d In his whole round of attributes complete,” was never contemplated by the heathen world, nor ever exhibited, but in the Bible. Indeed the idea would be intolerable to ourselves, were it not for the doctrine of a Mediator and his In the choice of a king, no special qualification is stated, but that he should be a brother; for which the first and great reason probably was, to prevent the introduction of idolatry; though in this a regard was doubtless had also to the preservation of their civil and religious liberties.

The choice was, however, to lie with the Almighty himself, and so the people understood it; for when they wanted a king, they applied to Samuel, the prophet, and said, “Give us a king:” ((1 Samuel 8:6).) and he was afterwards chosen by lot, “the appointment emineth is of the Lord,” as in a following chapter. ((1 Samuel 10:20), &c.) When the king should be chosen, it was particularly enjoined that he should neither multiply horses, nor wives, nor riches. Not the first, that they might not make an excuse to return to Egypt which was famous for the finest breed of those animals; not the second, that they might not be drawn into idolatry; nor the latter, that he might not be tempted to avarice or ambition.

Solomon unhappily fell into all these snares; he brought a number of horses out of Egypt; he married a multitude of heathen wives, and his heart was thereby turned to [sin] and idolatry; and as to riches, “the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycamore trees in the vale for abundance.” ((1 Kings 10)throughout.) As a guard against these errors, (which it is to be feared Solomon neglected,) the king was commanded to write out a copy of the law with his own hand; whether of this book of Deuteronomy only, or of the whole Mosaic law, commentators are not agreed. Either way the following objects would be secured. 1. He must be a scholar, able to write the language correctly.

2. He would become acquainted with that divine code of laws by which his conduct was to be regulated. 3. His time would be employed in this useful manner, instead of a course of dissipation and idleness; or curious inquiries into the customs of his idolatrous neighbours, which was forbidden. ((Deuteronomy 12:30).)

Notes on the verses

Chap. XVII. Ver. 1. Wherein is blemish.—This had been repeatedly enjoined, as in (Leviticus 22:20). (Deuteronomy 15:21). The spirit of the law is to devote to the Lord the best of our property and of our talents. See (Numbers 27:7)