Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 17: God rules above every ruler

Begin in prayer

Before we read God’s commands for judges and kings, let us submit our hearts to His word. Ask Him to teach our family humility and show us the righteous rule of His Son.

Now therefore be wise, you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth.

Psalm 2:10

Father in heaven, every human ruler answers to You. Teach us to honor Your authority and receive Your word with humble hearts. Show us the righteous King who obeyed You, and lead us to trust Him. Please open our eyes as we read Your Word, make us more like Christ, and bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

God forbids defective sacrifices and commands investigation of anyone accused of serving other gods. Such idolatry brings death by stoning on the testimony of two or three witnesses, who must act first. Difficult cases must go to the priests and judge at God’s chosen place. Presumptuous refusal of their verdict also brings death. If Israel appoints a king, he must be an Israelite chosen by God. He must resist multiplying horses, wives, and wealth, and read God’s law throughout his life.

As you read Deuteronomy 17, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God rules over every ruler, and even the king must live under His word.

God’s authority governs every level of Israel’s national life. His worship must honor Him with unblemished offerings and exclusive loyalty. The required witnesses make a death sentence depend on established testimony rather than a lone accusation. Difficult judgments go to the priests and judge, whose lawful verdict must be obeyed. The king also remains a brother under God’s law, without a right to exalt himself above the people. Horses must never draw Israel back to Egypt, and many wives would threaten the king’s loyalty. Daily reading must train him in reverence, humble obedience, and faithfulness to the commands.

How does Deuteronomy 17 show us that God rules over every ruler, and that even the king must live under His word?

God requires justice grounded in truth.

A report of idolatry must be investigated with care. Two or three witnesses are required before the accused may die. Those witnesses must take the first part in carrying out the sentence.

God’s appointed judgments must be respected.

A case beyond local judgment must go to God’s chosen place. The priests and judge will give the verdict according to the law. Presumptuous refusal brings death and warns the nation against such pride.

God’s king must remain under His word.

The king must copy the law and keep reading it throughout his life. This will teach him to fear God and obey His commands. His heart must never rise above his brothers.

Memorise

he shall read from it all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear Yahweh his God,

Deuteronomy 17:19

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, where does pride make me resist God’s word?

The king must read God’s law so “that his heart not be lifted up above his brothers”. Israel’s ruler remains subject to the LORD. Jesus is the righteous King who loves righteousness and hates wickedness.

This obedient King humbled Himself and died for His people. He carried their guilt to the cross, and God raised Him up to reign over death. His saving work is complete, and it has paid for the sins of all His people.

Turn from proud resistance and come to Him. Whoever trusts Jesus is forgiven, for His work is enough. Bow to the King who saves His people.

Parent's note

Tell your children why even Israel’s king must submit to God’s word. Explain the death penalties as public judgments under Israel’s covenant law. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Praise the righteous King, and bring the pride named in the heart question before Him. Every child can pray, so invite each one to ask for humility.

But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom. You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.”

Hebrews 1:8-9

Father in heaven, thank You that You rule over every ruler. Forgive our proud resistance to Your authority. Lead us to trust the righteous King who humbled Himself for sinners. Give those who believe willing hearts beneath His rule, and teach our family to receive Your word with reverence and obedience. In Jesus' name, Amen.