Deuteronomy 17-20

In Deuteronomy 17 Moses documents prophetically that the Israelites will desire to have a king rule over them just like all the nations around them in Canaan. This comes to fulfillment after the leadership of Joshua and the judges beginning with Saul then King David the Great. Verses 18-20 are so important for believers today, the emphasis on leadership as a king over Israel seems to be central to adherence and knowing the Mosaic Law through writing out the Torah, reading it for the sole purpose of observing the words and statutes of the law to fear the LORD. Because the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, it is through devoting ones life to studying, reading and writing God's law that one becomes set apart and locked in on the true reason and purpose for living: to worship and glorify God. There is a humble pleasure in approaching the throne of grace each morning, a joy in reading the word of God and an overwhelming peace that transcends understanding with the feeding on the word of God each day. Moses writes:

Deuteronomy 17:19-20 (NKJV) "...he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel."

I am reminded of the author of psalm 119 and how they deeply treasured and loved the the statutes of the law, the law of the LORD is life-giving bringing the proud to their knees and and grace to the humble.

Psalm 119:97 (NKJV) "Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day."


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