Deuteronomy 17:20 - that his heart not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he not turn away from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left; to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the middle of Israel.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Deuteronomy 17:20" mean?
Deuteronomy 17:20 is a crucial part of the instructions given to the future king of Israel. It outlines the character and behavior expected of him to ensure the stability and longevity of his reign and the well-being of the nation. Let's break down the meaning of each part:
"That his heart not be lifted up above his brothers..." This is the core of the verse. It warns the king against arrogance and pride. He must not consider himself superior to his fellow Israelites. He's still one of them, chosen for leadership, but not inherently better. The emphasis is on humility and recognizing his position as a servant of the people, not a master. Kingship can easily breed pride and a sense of entitlement, and this verse is a direct countermeasure.
"...and that he not turn away from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left..." This emphasizes strict obedience to God's Law (the Torah). The phrase "to the right hand or to the left" means to deviate in any way, shape, or form. The king must adhere to the commandments without adding to them, subtracting from them, or interpreting them to suit his own desires. He must be a faithful follower of the Law, setting an example for the people. It's a reminder that even the king is subject to God's authority.
"...to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the middle of Israel." This is the consequence clause. Obedience to God and humility in leadership are directly linked to the king's success and the stability of his dynasty. "Prolong his days" means he will reign for a long time, and his descendants will continue to rule after him. "In the middle of Israel" signifies a secure and stable kingdom, not one plagued by internal strife or external threats. This verse establishes a covenantal relationship: obedience brings blessing and long-lasting rule, while disobedience leads to decline and potential loss of the kingdom.
In summary, Deuteronomy 17:20 is a powerful statement about the responsibilities of leadership in Israel.
The verse highlights:
Humility: The king must remain humble and not see himself as superior to his people.
Obedience: The king must strictly adhere to God's Law.
Consequences: Obedience leads to stability, longevity, and a lasting dynasty, while disobedience brings ruin.
Key Themes:
Limited Kingship: The king's power is not absolute. He is subject to God's Law and accountable to his people.
Covenantal Theology: Obedience brings blessing, and disobedience brings judgment.
Justice and Righteousness: The king's role is to uphold justice and righteousness according to God's Law.
Relevance:
This verse has important implications for leadership even today. It emphasizes the importance of humility, integrity, and adherence to ethical principles for anyone in a position of authority. It also serves as a reminder that true leadership is about service, not self-aggrandizement.
In short, the verse is a warning against tyranny and a call for righteous leadership based on God's laws. It shows that the welfare of a nation is intrinsically linked to the moral character of its leader.
Deuteronomy 17:20 - that his heart not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he not turn away from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left; to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the middle of Israel.
What does "Deuteronomy 17:20" mean?
Deuteronomy 17:20 is a crucial part of the instructions given to the future king of Israel. It outlines the character and behavior expected of him to ensure the stability and longevity of his reign and the well-being of the nation. Let's break down the meaning of each part:
"That his heart not be lifted up above his brothers..." This is the core of the verse. It warns the king against arrogance and pride. He must not consider himself superior to his fellow Israelites. He's still one of them, chosen for leadership, but not inherently better. The emphasis is on humility and recognizing his position as a servant of the people, not a master. Kingship can easily breed pride and a sense of entitlement, and this verse is a direct countermeasure.
"...and that he not turn away from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left..." This emphasizes strict obedience to God's Law (the Torah). The phrase "to the right hand or to the left" means to deviate in any way, shape, or form. The king must adhere to the commandments without adding to them, subtracting from them, or interpreting them to suit his own desires. He must be a faithful follower of the Law, setting an example for the people. It's a reminder that even the king is subject to God's authority.
"...to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the middle of Israel." This is the consequence clause. Obedience to God and humility in leadership are directly linked to the king's success and the stability of his dynasty. "Prolong his days" means he will reign for a long time, and his descendants will continue to rule after him. "In the middle of Israel" signifies a secure and stable kingdom, not one plagued by internal strife or external threats. This verse establishes a covenantal relationship: obedience brings blessing and long-lasting rule, while disobedience leads to decline and potential loss of the kingdom.
In summary, Deuteronomy 17:20 is a powerful statement about the responsibilities of leadership in Israel.
The verse highlights:
Humility: The king must remain humble and not see himself as superior to his people.
Obedience: The king must strictly adhere to God's Law.
Consequences: Obedience leads to stability, longevity, and a lasting dynasty, while disobedience brings ruin.
Key Themes:
Limited Kingship: The king's power is not absolute. He is subject to God's Law and accountable to his people.
Covenantal Theology: Obedience brings blessing, and disobedience brings judgment.
Justice and Righteousness: The king's role is to uphold justice and righteousness according to God's Law.
Relevance:
This verse has important implications for leadership even today. It emphasizes the importance of humility, integrity, and adherence to ethical principles for anyone in a position of authority. It also serves as a reminder that true leadership is about service, not self-aggrandizement.
In short, the verse is a warning against tyranny and a call for righteous leadership based on God's laws. It shows that the welfare of a nation is intrinsically linked to the moral character of its leader.