Why must the king write a copy of the law for himself? The Command Restated “When he is seated on his royal throne, he is to write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.” (Deuteronomy 17:18) The Heart Behind the Command • Scripture is not merely to be possessed; it is to be internalized. • God requires the king to put pen to parchment so the Word will move from scroll to soul. Personal Engagement with God’s Word • Writing forces slow, deliberate attention—every word is seen, heard, and impressed on the heart. • Parallel: Joshua 1:8—“This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth… meditate on it day and night.” • The king becomes a student before he can be a sovereign. Cultivating Holy Fear and Obedience “It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes.” (Deuteronomy 17:19) • Constant reading fuels reverence. • Psalm 119:11—“I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” • Obedience flows from familiarity; rebellion thrives on neglect. Guarding the Throne Against Pride “Then his heart will not be lifted above his brothers…” (Deuteronomy 17:20) • Power tempts rulers to self-exaltation. Scripture levels the field, reminding the king he serves the same LORD as his subjects. • Micah 6:8 keeps leadership grounded: “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to walk humbly with your God.” Protecting the Nation from Wayward Leadership “…and he will not turn aside from the commandment to the right or to the left, so that he and his descendants may reign long…” (Deuteronomy 17:20) • The king’s faithfulness sets the spiritual climate for the people. • Proverbs 29:2—“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.” • A written, read, and lived-out law stabilizes the kingdom across generations. Modeling Submission to Scripture • By copying the law in the presence of priests, the king publicly affirms that even the highest office kneels to higher authority. • 2 Kings 22 shows Josiah rediscovering the Book of the Law; revival begins when leadership bows to Scripture. Practical Takeaways for Every Believer • Write—hand-copying passages slows us down to listen. • Keep the Word with you—digital or paper, constant accessibility matters. • Read daily—“all the days of his life” is still the pattern for lasting obedience. • Let Scripture shape humility—greatness in God’s economy starts low. The king’s handwritten scroll was God’s safeguard: a daily reminder that no throne on earth outranks the throne in heaven. |
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