Deuteronomy 17:17 – “He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.”
Extended Explanation
Deuteronomy 17:17 provides specific instructions for Israel’s king, cautioning him against taking many wives and accumulating excessive wealth. This verse is part of a broader set of guidelines designed to ensure that the king remains focused on God’s will rather than being distracted or corrupted by earthly desires. The command not to take many wives addresses the potential for divided loyalties and the risk of being influenced away from God. In the ancient world, kings often took multiple wives as a way to form political alliances, secure power, or indulge personal desires.
The second part of the verse warns against the accumulation of wealth. This was intended to prevent the king from relying on his riches rather than on God. Excessive wealth could lead to pride, greed, and a sense of self-sufficiency that would draw the king’s heart away from God. Together, these instructions were meant to guide the king toward a life of humility, faithfulness, and dependence on God rather than worldly power or possessions.
Historical Context
When Moses gave these instructions, Israel was on the verge of entering the Promised Land, and the idea of having a king was still in the future. However, God, knowing the hearts of His people, anticipated that they would eventually desire a king. The instructions in this verse reflect a stark contrast to the common practices of kings in the surrounding nations. Many ancient kings were known for their vast harems and enormous wealth, often leading to corruption, oppression, and spiritual downfall.
This warning proved relevant when Israel eventually established a monarchy. King Solomon, despite his wisdom, famously ignored this command by taking many wives—700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3). These marriages were not just personal choices but often political, tying Israel to foreign nations and their gods. Solomon’s wealth also became legendary, and over time, both his many wives and his riches led him away from wholehearted devotion to God, fulfilling the warning in this verse.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Deuteronomy 17:17 highlights the dangers of divided loyalties and the subtle ways that earthly pursuits can undermine a person’s commitment to God. The command against taking many wives is not just about numbers but about the heart. God knew that foreign alliances through marriage could introduce idolatry and draw the king’s heart away from Him. It reflects the broader biblical principle that what we attach ourselves to can profoundly impact our relationship with God.
The caution against accumulating wealth emphasizes that God’s leaders are to be different from worldly rulers who often seek power, luxury, and self-indulgence. It’s a call to humility and simplicity, reminding us that our true security and value come from God, not from material possessions.
Literary Analysis
Deuteronomy 17:17 is structured as a clear command with a direct cause-and-effect warning. The phrase “or his heart will be led astray” serves as a critical point, highlighting the spiritual consequences of disobedience. This verse is written not just as a rule but as a protective measure, reflecting God’s concern for the king’s spiritual well-being and the overall health of the nation.
The verse uses straightforward language to convey the seriousness of the issue, making it clear that these commands are about maintaining a right heart before God. The specific mention of “wives” and “silver and gold” pinpoints the areas where many leaders, including Israel’s future kings, would face temptation.
Biblical Cross-References
Several other passages in the Bible echo the warnings found in Deuteronomy 17:17:
- 1 Kings 11:4: “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God.”
- Proverbs 30:8-9: “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’”
- Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.”
These verses highlight the ongoing biblical theme that divided loyalties, whether through relationships or wealth, can lead one away from a faithful walk with God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Deuteronomy 17:17 serves as a reminder to guard against anything that might lead our hearts away from God. It challenges believers to examine their relationships, pursuits, and possessions, asking whether these things are drawing them closer to God or pulling them away. The warning against taking many wives can be understood as a broader call to maintain pure and undivided devotion to God, avoiding relationships or influences that compromise our faith.
The caution about accumulating wealth speaks to the dangers of materialism. Christians are encouraged to live with contentment, recognizing that true security and satisfaction come from God, not from worldly riches. It’s a call to keep our priorities straight and to seek God’s kingdom first, trusting Him to provide for our needs.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s command in Deuteronomy 17:17 reflects His deep love and desire to protect His people, including their leaders, from spiritual harm. He knows the human heart and the temptations that can lead us astray, and His instructions are meant to guide us into a life that honors Him. God’s love is evident in His guidance, offering clear boundaries that help us stay focused on Him.
God’s protective nature shines through this verse. He doesn’t restrict the king’s actions out of control but out of care, wanting His leaders to remain devoted and free from the entanglements that wealth and relationships can bring. His commands are always given with our best interests at heart.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ perfectly fulfills the principles outlined in Deuteronomy 17:17. He lived a life of complete devotion to God, unencumbered by earthly wealth or divided loyalties. Jesus did not seek power through earthly means, nor did He pursue material gain. Instead, He demonstrated what it means to live fully for God, even in the face of temptation.
In Matthew 4:8-10, during His temptation in the wilderness, Jesus was offered all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor, but He rejected them, choosing instead to worship God alone. His life and teachings constantly pointed to the truth that true kingship and leadership are found in submission to God, not in the accumulation of power, wealth, or earthly ties.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What relationships or pursuits in your life might be competing for your devotion to God?
- How can you guard against the subtle ways that wealth or material desires might lead your heart astray?
- In what ways does Jesus’ example of undivided devotion to God challenge you in your own walk of faith?
- How can you apply the principles of humility and dependence on God in your daily life, especially when faced with temptations to pursue worldly gains?
This article encourages reflection on the importance of maintaining a heart fully devoted to God, the dangers of divided loyalties, and the call to follow Jesus’ example of faithful and humble leadership.