Deuteronomy 17:19-20 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 17:19

And it shall be with him ,.... Always, when at home or abroad, sitting on his throne or lying down, or wherever he went, unless in such places where it was not proper to read it, as the Jews observe F15 Maimon. Hilchot Melachim, c. 3. sect. 1. : and he shall read therein all the days of his life; every day of his life; meditate on it night and day, as a good man does, that he might be well versed in it, and know how to govern his people according to it: that he may learn to, fear... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:20

That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren ,.... On account of his office, the dignity of it, considering that he was subject to the law of God, and accountable to the Lord for all his actions: and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand or to the left ; not in the least deviate from the law of God in the whole of his conduct, and particularly in the exercise of his kingly office: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom ; ruling well... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 17:19

And it shall be with him, etc. - It was the surest way to bring the king to an acquaintance with the Divine law to oblige him to write out a fair copy of it with his own hand, in which he was to read daily. This was essentially necessary, as these laws of God were all permanent, and no Israelitish king could make any new law, the kings of this people being ever considered as only the vice-gerents of Jehovah. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 17:20

He, and his children, in the midst of Israel - From this verse it has been inferred that the crown of Israel was designed to be hereditary, and this is very probable; for long experience has proved to almost all the nations of the world that hereditary succession in the regal government is, on the whole, the safest, and best calculated to secure the public tranquillity. 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

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:19

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:20

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 17:19

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 17:20

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

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14-20

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