Deuteronomy 17:14 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14-20

After the laws which concerned subjects fitly followed the laws which concern kings; for those that rule others must themselves remember that they are under command. Here are laws given, I. To the electors of the empire, what rules they must go by in making their choice, Deut. 17:14, 15. 1. It is here supposed that the people would, in process of time, be desirous of a king, whose royal pomp and power would be thought to make their nation look great among their neighbours. Their having a king... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14

When thou art come unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee ,.... The land of Canaan: and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein ; be entirely in the possession of it, and settled in it; it seems to denote some time of continuance in it, as it was, before they thought of setting a king over them, about which are the following instructions: and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are round about me ; which was what would and did lead them to... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 17:14

Verse 14 14.When thou art come unto the land. In this passage God sets forth the merits of that sacerdotal kingdom, of which mention is made elsewhere; for, since the splendor of the royal name might dazzle their eyes, so that they should forget that God retained the sovereignty over them, they are thus early admonished how unjust it would be if the majesty of God should be diminished by the rule of a mortal man. In sum, the power of kings is here put beneath that of God; and kings themselves... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14

When thou art come unto the land , etc. This phraseology, which is common to the laws which respect the affairs of the Hebrews after they should be settled in Canaan, implies that this law was given whilst they were yet outside the Promised Land. It is plain also, from the tenor of the whole statement in this verse, that the legislator in this case is providing for what he supposes may happen, is likely to happen, but which he by no means desires should happen. Moses foresaw that the people... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14-20

Israel, being under a theocracy, did not need an earthly king; but neither was this thereby precluded, provided the king chosen by the people were one whom Jehovah would approve as his vicegerent. In case, then, of their coming to desire to have a king over them like the nations around them, Moses gives instructions here as to the choice of a king, and as to the duties and obligations resting upon those who might be elevated to that office. The form in which these are conveyed clearly... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14-20

Kings subject to the King of kings. In this paragraph we have directions to be attended to in case Israel should, in the course of time, desire a king. As things were, the Lord God was their King; and it would be a sinful discontent with the Divine arrangements if they wished any change in that respect in their national constitution. It would show an envious desire to be like unto the nations round about, and a craving after the pomp and display of the heathen world. Still, if such a wish... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14-20

The king in Israel We have here— I. THE DESIRE OF A KING ANTICIPATED . ( Deuteronomy 17:14 .) Moses anticipates that, when settled in the land, the people would desire a king, that they might be like other nations. This was: 1. A desire springing from a wrong motive . 2. A desire in some respects natural . The spiritual government of an invisible Ruler was an idea difficult to grasp. The mind craved for some concrete and visible embodiment of that authority... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14-20

The limitations of monarchy. We have here provision made for the probable demand of the people for a visible king like the other nations. The unseen King did not make the same sensation in their view, and hence Moses is inspired to anticipate the unbelieving demand. And here notice— I. THE UNSEEN KING MUST HAVE THE SELECTION OF THE VISIBLE ONE . It is in this way that the monarchy, when it came, was kept under the control of God. The theocracy was still the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14-20

Limitations round about a king. A king is the creation of a nation's will. The nation does not exist for the king, but the king exists for the nation. His proper aim is not personal glory, but the widest public good. I. KINGS ARE THE PRODUCT OF A DEGENERATE AGE . Since the King of heaven is willing to give his counsel and aid to men, it is for our honor and advantage to live under the direct administration of God; and it is only when piety and faith decline that men... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 17:14

No encouragement is given to the desire, natural in an Oriental people, for monarchical government; but neither is such desire blamed, as appears from the fact that conditions are immediately laid down upon which it may be satisfied. Compare the marginal references. read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14-20

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 17:14

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14-20

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 17:14

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