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Matthew Henry

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 17:16

But he shall not multiply horses to himself ,.... That he might not put his trust and confidence in outward things, as some are apt to trust in horses and chariots; and that he might not tyrannise over and distress his subjects by keeping a number of horses and chariots as a standing army, and chiefly for a reason that follows; he was to have no more than for his own chariot, so Jarchi, and so the Misnah F7 Sanhedrin, c. 2. sect. 4. and Maimonides F8 Hilchot Melachim, c. 3. sect.... read more

John Gill

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

Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away ,.... From attending to the duty of his office, the care and government of his people, and from serious religion; and particularly from the worship of the true God, as the heart of Solomon was turned away from it by his numerous idolatrous wives, 1 Kings 11:3 , it is a common notion of the Jews that a king might have eighteen wives, and no more F11 Maimon. Issure Biah, c. 1. sect. 2. Misn. ut supra. (Sanhedrin, c.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:18

And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom ,.... When he is settled on it, and is even amidst all the pomp and glory of it: that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book; which copy the Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions interpret of this book of Deuteronomy, which is a summary abstract and repetition of the various laws of God to the people of Israel; though the Jewish writers commonly understand it of the whole Pentateuch, the five books of Moses; which... 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 17:16

He shall not multiply horses - As horses appear to have been generally furnished by Egypt, God prohibits these, Lest there should be such commerce with Egypt as might lead to idolatry. Lest the people might depend on a well-appointed cavalry as a means of security, and so cease from trusting in the strength and protection of God. And, 3. That they might not be tempted to extend their dominion by means of cavalry, and so get scattered among the surrounding idolatrous nations, and thus... read more

Adam Clarke

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

Neither shall he multiply wives - For this would necessarily lead to foreign alliances, and be the means of introducing the manners and customs of other nations, and their idolatry also. Solomon sinned against this precept, and brought ruin on himself and on the land by it; see 1 Kings 11:4 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 17:18

He shall write him a copy of this law - הזאת התורה משנה mishneh hattorah hazzoth , an iteration or duplicate of this law; translated by the Septuagint, το δευτερονομιον τουτο this deuteronomy. From this version both the Vulgate Latin and all the modern versions have taken the name of this book; and from the original word the Jews call it Mishneh . See the preface to this book. Out of that which is before the priests the Levites - It is likely this means, that the copy which the... 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

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