20 verses
Deuteronomy 17 establishes rules for dealing with idolatry, outlines judicial procedure, and prescribes the appointment of a king and his duties.
The chapter begins by forbidding the sacrifice of blemished animals and by prescribing that anyone who has committed idolatry and violated the covenant shall be brought to the gates and stoned to death, only after a proper witness procedure. It then explains how disputes that are difficult to resolve must be taken to a divine location chosen by the LORD, where priests and judges will give a judgment to be followed strictly. The next section describes the process of choosing a king from among the Israelites, prohibiting a foreign ruler, and forbidding the king from acquiring excess horses, wives, or wealth that would lead him away from the covenant. Finally, the king is commanded to keep a written copy of the law on his throne and to read it continually, so that he may live righteously and preserve the covenant for his descendants.
neutral
The passage contains legal directives and moral warnings without explicit emotional tone.