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Deuteronomy 17

20 verses

TL;DR

Deuteronomy 17 establishes rules for dealing with idolatry, outlines judicial procedure, and prescribes the appointment of a king and his duties.

Summary

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.

Outline
  1. 1. Punishment for idolatry and covenant violation
  2. 2. Judicial appeals to a divinely chosen place
  3. 3. Appointment and duties of a king
Themes
covenant fidelityjudicial fairnessroyal obedience to divine law
Keywords
abominationcovenantwitnessjudgmentkinglawpriestLevite
People
the LORDkingpriestsLevites
Places
Israelthe gatesthe landthe place chosen by the LORD
Things
stonebooklawhorsessilver and goldwives
Key Verses
  • Deuteronomy 17:4: Shows the rigorous process for confirming idolatry before punishment.
  • Deuteronomy 17:8: Introduces the concept of divine judgment and consultation with priests.
  • Deuteronomy 17:14: Specifies the requirement to appoint a king from Israel, not a foreigner.
  • Deuteronomy 17:18: Mandates the king to keep a written law, symbolizing continual obedience.
Questions
  • What does the prescribed punishment for idolatry reveal about Israel’s relationship with the LORD?
  • How does the appeal process reflect the value placed on fairness and divine authority?
  • In what ways does the instruction for the king to keep a written law aim to prevent apostasy?
  • How might the prohibition against a foreign king affect Israel’s political identity?
  • What lessons can modern readers draw from the emphasis on continual remembrance of law?
Sentiment

neutral
The passage contains legal directives and moral warnings without explicit emotional tone.