Deuteronomy 17:20 – “and not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel.”
Extended Explanation
Deuteronomy 17:20 is a part of the instructions given to the kings of Israel, highlighting how they should conduct themselves in relation to God’s law and their attitude towards their people. The verse emphasizes that the king should not view himself as superior to his fellow Israelites and must remain faithful to God’s commands, not deviating to the right or the left. This command is meant to keep the king humble, reminding him that he is not above the law but accountable to God, just like everyone else.
The purpose of this instruction is twofold: it helps the king maintain a humble attitude, seeing himself as a servant leader, and it encourages consistent obedience to God’s law. The promise attached to this command is that if the king remains humble and faithful, he and his descendants will enjoy a long and prosperous reign. This verse reflects the broader biblical principle that humility and obedience lead to God’s blessing.
Historical Context
When these instructions were given by Moses, Israel was preparing to enter the Promised Land, and God was setting the foundation for how the nation would be governed. Unlike the kings of other nations who often ruled with absolute power, Israel’s king was to lead with a heart of service and humility. This was a radical departure from the norms of the ancient world, where kings were often seen as above the law and treated as almost divine.
The command to not turn from the law “to the right or to the left” is a reminder of the importance of strict adherence to God’s instructions. Throughout Israel’s history, the nation’s well-being was closely tied to the king’s faithfulness to God. When kings like David and Josiah followed God’s commands, the nation flourished. However, when kings turned away, as seen in the reigns of Solomon and later kings, it led to division, downfall, and exile.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Deuteronomy 17:20 underscores the principle that true leadership is grounded in humility and obedience to God. This verse teaches that even those in positions of great authority are not above God’s law but are called to live in submission to Him. It reminds us that pride and self-exaltation are dangerous traps, especially for leaders, and that humility is essential for right living before God.
The call to not deviate “to the right or to the left” speaks to the consistency required in following God’s ways. This is not just about avoiding major sins but about staying true to God’s path in all aspects of life. It reflects the belief that God’s commands are a straight path, and any deviation, whether small or large, can lead one astray.
Literary Analysis
Deuteronomy 17:20 is structured as a concluding statement that reinforces the key qualities expected of Israel’s king: humility, faithfulness, and obedience. The phrase “not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites” directly addresses the temptation of pride that often accompanies power. The instruction to “turn from the law to the right or to the left” uses imagery of a straight path, emphasizing the need for steadfastness and unwavering commitment to God’s Word.
The promise that follows—“he and his descendants will reign a long time”—is both a motivation and a reward, illustrating that God’s blessings follow those who lead according to His principles. This literary structure ties together the ideas of conduct, consequence, and divine approval.
Biblical Cross-References
Other passages in Scripture echo the themes found in Deuteronomy 17:20:
- Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
- Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
- James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
These verses emphasize the importance of humility and the dangers of pride, reinforcing the idea that leadership must be marked by a humble reliance on God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Deuteronomy 17:20 is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility, especially in positions of influence or leadership. It challenges believers to see themselves not as superior to others but as servants called to live according to God’s Word. This verse also encourages Christians to remain faithful to God’s commands, resisting the temptation to veer off course or compromise.
The principle of not turning “to the right or to the left” applies to all aspects of life, reminding us to stay true to God’s path, even when it’s difficult. It’s a call to consistent, steady obedience, grounded in a humble recognition of our need for God’s guidance.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s command for the king to remain humble and obedient reflects His loving desire for His people to experience the best that He has for them. God knows the human heart and the dangers of pride, and His instructions are meant to protect, guide, and bless. By keeping the king grounded in humility, God was ensuring that His people would be led with justice, compassion, and faithfulness.
God’s love is also seen in the promise of a long reign for those who follow His ways. He desires to bless and establish those who live in obedience to Him, showing that His commands are not burdensome but are given for our good.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ perfectly embodies the humility and obedience described in Deuteronomy 17:20. Though He is the King of Kings, Jesus did not consider Himself above others but lived as a servant, showing ultimate humility by laying down His life on the cross. Philippians 2:6-8 describes how Jesus, though equal with God, humbled Himself and became obedient, even to the point of death.
Jesus’ example teaches us that true greatness is found in humility and service, not in self-exaltation. He perfectly fulfilled the command to not turn from God’s path, living in complete obedience to the Father’s will. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus shows us the way to live humbly and faithfully, following God’s commands in all things.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the command for the king to remain humble and obedient challenge your own attitudes towards leadership and influence?
- In what areas of your life are you tempted to “turn to the right or to the left” instead of staying on God’s path?
- How can you cultivate a deeper sense of humility, recognizing that all authority and influence are gifts from God?
- What can you learn from Jesus’ example of humble obedience that applies to your own walk with God?
This article encourages reflection on the importance of humility, the call to steadfast obedience, and the example of Jesus Christ as the ultimate humble King who lived in perfect submission to God.