Deuteronomy 17:11 - according to the decisions of the law which they shall teach you, and according to the judgment which they shall tell you, you shall do. You shall not turn away from the sentence which they shall show you, to the right hand, nor to the left.
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What does "Deuteronomy 17:11" mean?
Deuteronomy 17:11 essentially mandates obedience to the judicial decisions and interpretations of the law rendered by the appointed religious authorities (likely priests and Levites). Let's break it down:
"According to the decisions of the law which they shall teach you...": This emphasizes the teaching aspect. The authorities are responsible for understanding and communicating the nuances of the Law. The people are expected to learn and follow their interpretations.
"...and according to the judgment which they shall tell you, you shall do.": This part refers to specific rulings or judgments made by the authorities in legal cases or situations. It demands compliance with these specific decisions.
"You shall not turn away from the sentence which they shall show you, to the right hand, nor to the left.": This is the key point about strict obedience. It emphasizes that the individual cannot deviate from the judgments given, not even a little bit. There is no room for personal interpretation or alternative opinions once the official ruling is made. "Right or left" implies no deviation whatsoever.
In simpler terms, the verse is saying:
"You must follow the teachings and rulings of the religious leaders regarding the law. You are obligated to obey their decisions completely and without any deviation."
Significance and Context:
Centralized Authority: This verse supports the idea of centralized authority in interpreting and applying the law. It prevents chaos and conflicting opinions by establishing a clear, authoritative source of legal guidance.
Maintaining Order: The verse aims to maintain order and unity within the community. By adhering to the decisions of the designated authorities, disputes are resolved fairly, and the law is consistently applied.
Potential for Abuse: It's important to note that such a system, while intended to promote order, could also be susceptible to abuse if the authorities themselves are corrupt or biased. This is a common theme throughout the Hebrew Bible, where prophets often challenge the actions of religious and political leaders.
Modern Interpretations:
Varying Views: Modern interpretations of this verse vary widely, depending on religious and philosophical perspectives.
Conservative views: Conservative interpretations tend to emphasize the importance of adhering to established religious authority.
Liberal views: Liberal interpretations often focus on the importance of individual conscience and critical thinking, while still acknowledging the value of religious tradition. Some might see this verse as potentially problematic if it leads to blind obedience without ethical considerations.
In summary, Deuteronomy 17:11 is a powerful statement about the importance of obedience to established religious authority in interpreting and applying the law. It aims to ensure order, unity, and consistent application of justice. However, its potential for abuse and the need for individual conscience and critical thinking are also important considerations.
Deuteronomy 17:11 - according to the decisions of the law which they shall teach you, and according to the judgment which they shall tell you, you shall do. You shall not turn away from the sentence which they shall show you, to the right hand, nor to the left.
What does "Deuteronomy 17:11" mean?
Deuteronomy 17:11 essentially mandates obedience to the judicial decisions and interpretations of the law rendered by the appointed religious authorities (likely priests and Levites). Let's break it down:
"According to the decisions of the law which they shall teach you...": This emphasizes the teaching aspect. The authorities are responsible for understanding and communicating the nuances of the Law. The people are expected to learn and follow their interpretations.
"...and according to the judgment which they shall tell you, you shall do.": This part refers to specific rulings or judgments made by the authorities in legal cases or situations. It demands compliance with these specific decisions.
"You shall not turn away from the sentence which they shall show you, to the right hand, nor to the left.": This is the key point about strict obedience. It emphasizes that the individual cannot deviate from the judgments given, not even a little bit. There is no room for personal interpretation or alternative opinions once the official ruling is made. "Right or left" implies no deviation whatsoever.
In simpler terms, the verse is saying:
"You must follow the teachings and rulings of the religious leaders regarding the law. You are obligated to obey their decisions completely and without any deviation."
Significance and Context:
Centralized Authority: This verse supports the idea of centralized authority in interpreting and applying the law. It prevents chaos and conflicting opinions by establishing a clear, authoritative source of legal guidance.
Maintaining Order: The verse aims to maintain order and unity within the community. By adhering to the decisions of the designated authorities, disputes are resolved fairly, and the law is consistently applied.
Potential for Abuse: It's important to note that such a system, while intended to promote order, could also be susceptible to abuse if the authorities themselves are corrupt or biased. This is a common theme throughout the Hebrew Bible, where prophets often challenge the actions of religious and political leaders.
Modern Interpretations:
Varying Views: Modern interpretations of this verse vary widely, depending on religious and philosophical perspectives.
Conservative views: Conservative interpretations tend to emphasize the importance of adhering to established religious authority.
Liberal views: Liberal interpretations often focus on the importance of individual conscience and critical thinking, while still acknowledging the value of religious tradition. Some might see this verse as potentially problematic if it leads to blind obedience without ethical considerations.
In summary, Deuteronomy 17:11 is a powerful statement about the importance of obedience to established religious authority in interpreting and applying the law. It aims to ensure order, unity, and consistent application of justice. However, its potential for abuse and the need for individual conscience and critical thinking are also important considerations.