Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Deuteronomy 17:1-20
13. Justice and the Choice of a King CHAPTERS 16:18-17:20 1. Appointment of judges and their instruction (Deuteronomy 16:18-22 ; Deuteronomy 17:1 ) 2. The higher court at the place He chooses (Deuteronomy 17:8-13 ) 3. The choice and right of the king (Deuteronomy 17:14-20 ) This chapter leads us upon new ground. The obligations of the religious life of Israel were stated in the first part of chapter 16 and now the government of the people in the land is commanded. “Just as in its... read more
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Deuteronomy 17:8-12
Deuteronomy 17:8-20. THE SUPREMACY IN ISRAEL OF THE WRITTEN LAW OF GOD.(8) If there arise a matter too hard for thee.—Literally, too wonderful.Between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke.—The “blood” and the “plea” seem to indicate criminal and civil cases. The word “stroke” is the common word for “plague” in the Pentateuch and elsewhere. It may possibly refer to cases of ceremonial purity or impurity, especially in reference to disease. There is an evident... read more