Today's lesson comes from Deuteronomy 17: 14- 20. God gave some clear directions regarding the king who was to rule His people. After Israel had settled in the land, there would come a time when social and civic order would be necessary. The people would need a method of dealing with personal conflicts. Beginning at Deuteronomy 16: 18 and ending 18: 22, is instruction on the government of Israel. Starting at chapter 16:18- 17: 7, directives concerning judges and officers was given. Moses knew the time would come when the people would want a king. Thus, God have him the guidelines for their ruler.
The first section is "The King's Qualifications." vv. 14-15 It is important to remember that having a king was not God's idea. His plan of government was a theocracy. Under a theocracy, the priests rule in the name of God. However, the people wanted to be like the nations around them, so they cried to God for a king. The Israelites as a whole were backslidden when they announced they wanted a king. There were periods when God raised up prophets and judges to restore order to the country. One should never make decisions when one is backslidden. The results can, and most likely will be, disastrous. God wanted Israel to be a distinct nation. Israel wanted to be like the world around them. They were compromising God's best for the world's worst.
There were two qualifications for the king:
1. The selection of the king must be in accordance with the will of God. The king must be "whom the LORD thy God shall choose."
2. The king must be "from among thy brethren." The ruler was to be raised from his childhood in the traditions and the Scriptures. The people were not to "set a stranger over thee."
The second section is "The King's Behavior." vv. 16, 17 There are three prohibitions in this portion of the lesson. Each involves the phrase "multiply...to himself." Those in power face the temptation to abuse that power for their self gratification. The three prohibitions were:
1. To "multiply horses" would be to increasing your military strength to such a point that you would no longer need to rely upon God for their defense and protection. Horses were primarily used for war, not for farming or travel. This is the sin of self-reliance.
2. Though polygamy (multiple wives) is illegal today, the world's call to pleasure and sensuality is strong. Living for the gratification of the physical quickly destroys spiritual inclinations. This is the sin of living for the flesh.
3. Another temptation is the accumulation of wealth and material gain. As the saying goes, "it is not wrong to have things as long as the things do not have you." This is the sin of covetousness. Luke 12: 15 states: "Take heed; and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
The third section is "The King's Education." vv. 18-20 This last portion emphasizes the importance of an individual studying, learning, and living in the Word of God. Daily devotions are important. A life saturated with the Word of God will yield great benefits. These include a reverence for God, obedience to His laws, a humble attitude, steadfastness in faith, length of days, a positive impact on the children, and a blessing to society.
Verses 18 and 19 state that the king was to read the Word of God and take it with him wherever he went. By daily meditating on the Word, the king's character would be molded into one of faith, piety, humility, righteousness, and love. Verse 20 explains that the king would remain humble, obey the commandments, and have along life. Reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God will give one peace of mind, improved character, and a fear of the LORD. Now, that is a good education!
The Golden Text is: "The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide." (Psalm 37: 31) God promises to write His law on the hearts of the believer. That is the essence of the New Covenant. Previously, the law was written on tablets of stone. Now, the law is placed on our hearts. In Hebraic thought, the heart and mind are one. Greek thinking divides man into three parts: spirit, soul, and body. Think of your heart and mind connected. If your heart has the law of God written on it, then your mind will think, speak and dwell on His Word.
My summary points:
1. Be careful what you ask for, you might get it. (It is better to be governed by the Word of God, than man.)
2. Our behavior should match our faith.
3. The best education comes from the Word of God.
Next week: "A Prophet Like Unto Me." (Deuteronomy 18: 9-19)
Don't forget to read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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