Deuteronomy 17:18-20 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 17:18

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 17:18

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

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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 17:18

Verse 18 18.And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne. It would not be enough to correct their errors unless kings were also instructed in the fear of God, and properly taught their duty; now, therefore, a system of discipline is added, whereby it was profitable for them to be grounded in the study of religion and justice, viz., that they should take the Law from the priests and Levites, which was to be the rule of all their actions. Because the demonstrative pronoun is used, (73) some... 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

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

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

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 17:18

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

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

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 17:18

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 17:14-20

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