Chapter 160 of 1163

Deuteronomy 17

Presumption. God’s Word reveals God’s will and we must not go beyond what God permits. To transgress (v. 2) means to “cross the line,” which is presumptuous sin. God says, “Thus far and no farther!” and we must obey. That obedience applied to sentences of judgment (vv. 8–13). The sinner who challenged the judgment of God’s appointed leaders was destined to die. “Hear and fear!”

Pride. Israel did ask for a king, and God gave them Saul (1 Sam. 8–10). We do not know whether he obeyed (vv. 18–20), but we do know that he failed to obey God’s will (1 Sam. 15). His successor David was a man of God’s Word, but David’s son Solomon committed all of the sins named in verses 16–17 (1 Kings 10–11). There was great prosperity for a time, but then the nation divided and turned from God.

Common citizens, priests, judges, and kings—all had an obligation to submit to God’s Word and obey it. The higher the position, the greater the responsibility. “Hear and fear!”

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