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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:16-17

Certain rules are prescribed for the king. It is forbidden to him to multiply horses, to multiply wives, and to amass large treasures of silver and gold, and he must have a copy of the Law written out for him from that kept by the priests, that he might have it by him, and read it all the days of his life. The multiplying of horses is prohibited, because this would bring Israel into intercourse and friendly relations with Egypt, and might tend to their going back to that country from which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:18

A copy of this law ; literally, a double of this Law , i . e . not, as the LXX . have it, "This reiteration of the Law" ( τὸ δευτερονόμιον τοῦτο ), but a duplicate or copy of the Pentateuchal Law. The Jews understand by "double" that two copies of the Law were to be made by the king (Maimon; ' De Regibus,' e. 3. § 1); but this is unnecessary: every copy of a law is a double of it. Oat of that which is before the priests . The priests were the custodians of the written Law ( ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 17:15

The king, like the judges and officers (compare Deuteronomy 16:18), is to be chosen by the people; but their choice is to be in accordance with the will of God, and to be made from among “their brethren.” Compare 1 Samuel 9:15; 1Sa 10:24; 1 Samuel 16:1; 1 Kings 19:16.Thou mayest not set a stranger over thee - The Jews extended this prohibition to all offices whatsoever (compare Jeremiah 30:21); and naturally attached the greatest importance to it: from where the significance of the question... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 17:16

The horse was not anciently used in the East for purposes of agriculture or traveling, but ordinarily for war only. He appears constantly in Scripture as the symbol and embodiment of fleshly strength and the might of the creature (compare Psalms 20:7; Psalms 33:16-17; Psalms 147:10; Job 39:19 ff), and is sometimes significantly spoken of simply as “the strong one” (compare Jeremiah 8:16). The spirit of the prohibition therefore is that the king of Israel must not, like other earthly potentates,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 17:17

Multiplication of wives would lead to sensuality, and so to an apostasy no less fatal in effect than downright idolatry (compare Exodus 34:16). This rule, like the others, abridges to the ruler of Israel liberties usually enjoyed without stint by the kings of the East. The restriction was in the days of Moses unprecedented; and demanded a higher standard in the king of Israel than was looked for among his equals in other nations.Neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold - In... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 17:18

It is in striking consistency with the dignity which everywhere throughout the Mosaic legislation surrounds the chosen people of God, that even if they will be “like as all the nations about” Deuteronomy 17:14, and be governed by a king, care should nevertheless be taken that he shall be no Oriental despot. He is to be of no royal caste, but “one from among thy brethren” Deuteronomy 17:15; he is to bear himself as a kind of “primus inter pares,” his heart “not being lifted up above his... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Deuteronomy 17:15

Deuteronomy 17:15. Whom the Lord thy God shall choose Approve of, or appoint. So it was in Saul and David. God reserved to himself the nomination both of the family and of the person. Thy brethren Of the same nation and religion; because such a person was most likely to maintain true religion, and to rule with righteousness, gentleness, and kindness to his subjects; and that he might be a fit type of Christ, their supreme king, who was to be one of their brethren. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Deuteronomy 17:16

Deuteronomy 17:16. He shall not multiply horses Though he might have horses for his own use, yet he was not to have many horses for his officers and guard, much less for war, lest he should trust in them. The multiplying horses is also forbidden, lest it should raise too great a correspondence with Egypt, which furnished Canaan with them. The Lord hath said The Lord hath now said to me, and I, by his command, declare it to you. Ye shall no more return that way Into Egypt, lest ye be... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Deuteronomy 17:17

Deuteronomy 17:17. Neither shall he multiply wives to himself As the manner of other kings was, contrary to the design of God from the beginning. That his heart turn not away From God and his law, as Solomon’s did. Neither silver nor gold Lest this should lift up his heart in confidence and pride, which God abhors, and beget in him a contempt of his people. They are not simply forbidden to be rich, if God made them so, which was the case of David, Solomon, Jehoshaphat, and some others;... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Deuteronomy 17:18-19

Deuteronomy 17:18-19. He shall write With his own hand, say the Jews. Out of that which is before the priests Out of that original, which was carefully kept by the priests in the sanctuary, that it might be a perfect copy, and that it might have the greater influence upon him, coming to him as from the hand and presence of God. He shall read therein Diligently and constantly: neither the greatness of his place, nor the weight and multitude of his business, shall excuse or hinder him; ... read more

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