Deuteronomy 17 -- Government

It’s amazing that before the people even entered the Promised Land God had already told them they’d desire a king instead of trusting Him to be their king, and even knowing this, they did it anyway!

This chapter explained the kind of government God wanted the Israelites to organize in the Promised Land.  In Romans 13:1, we read, “The powers that be are ordained of God.”  My commentary said, “This doesn’t mean that God is to blame for the appointment or election of each individual public official or the decisions they make once they’re in office.  It means that the authority for government comes from God and that those who serve in public offices are ministers of the Lord and accountable to Him.”

The judges were to be men with godly character, devotion to God, and possess the wisdom of God.

Regarding leaders selected by the people, my commentary gave a very appropriate warning:  “God’s greatest judgment is to give His people what they want and let them suffer for it.”

When a king was selected, God had instructions for him:  “He was to write out his own copy of the law … read it regularly, and take it to heart … it would reveal to him the character of God and encourage him to fear Him and love Him more.  The king’s submission to God and His law would keep him from getting proud and abusing the authority the Lord had given him.  For him to think that he was better than his brethren and privileged to live above God’s law would indicate that he wasn’t fit to lead the nation.”  Wow!  Enough said.

Father, help me to pray for our leaders and to intercede for them with You.  Guide their hearts to follow You and seek Your wisdom as they rule.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford