| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| March 11, 2026 | ESV (2016) | ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026 |
Deuteronomy 16-18
Observation & Interpretation
In chapter 17, the LORD gave instruction through Moses that when the people said that they would set a king over themselves like the other nations, a king could be set that the LORD would choose. This king was to be a native Israelite, not a foreigner, and was restricted in how he was to conduct himself. He was not to acquire many horses for himself and thus depend on military might over the LORD. By extension, he was not to cause the people to return to Egypt, “thinking that the horses they could get there would save them (v. 16).” (BBC). He was also not to take many wives, a prohibition not only “against polygamy and a warning against the danger of wives who would lead him off into idolatry, but also a ban on marriages designed to form political alliances (v. 17).” (BBC). Excessive amounts of gold and silver was not to be acquired for himself also as this may likewise lead him away from dependence on the LORD. Finally, he was to write for himself a copy of the law, approved by the Levitical priests and read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD by keeping all the words of the law. As the BBC notes, “By continually spending time in the law the king was to become a model for the people.”
Application
There are elements of the leadership appointment narrative here in Deuteronomy that are helpful for meditation as we consider those whom we should place in roles of political and governmental oversight. Such an individual should be one of conviction and sound character, consistent in qualities that reflect Biblical principles. Granted, since we live in a democracy and not a closed, theocratic society, we often do not have the ability to select leaders who are genuine followers of Christ, but our aim should be the commissioning of those who embody such attributes even if they do not acknowledge God as their source.
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Colin Hansen (Editor in Chief), TGC Bible Commentary (Columbia, MO: The Gospel Coalition, 2022)
- Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018-2025)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Editors), ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.