Deuteronomy 17:18 And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:

Deuteronomy 17:18 "Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.

18-20. he shall write him a copy of this law in a book--The original scroll of the ancient Scriptures was deposited in the sanctuary under the strict custody of the priests (see on De 31:26; 2Ki 22:8). Each monarch, on his accession, was to be furnished with a true and faithful copy, which he was to keep constantly beside him, and daily peruse it, that his character and sentiments being cast into its sanctifying mould, he might discharge his royal functions in the spirit of faith and piety, of humility and a love or righteousness.

JFB.

Questions Related to this Verse

Where in Scripture does it mention restrictions for a King?

Where in Scripture does it mention The duties of Rulers?

Dynamically load content in Bootstrap Modal with AJAX

Select a Chapter

Select a Book of the Bible

Deuteronomy 17 Images and Notes

Brief Summary: The charge of this chapter is, I. Concerning the purity and perfection of all those animals that were offered in sacrifice (v. 1). II. Concerning the punishment of those that worshipped idols (v. 2-7). III. Concerning appeals from the inferior courts to the great Sanhedrin (v. 8-13). IV. Concerning the choice and duty of a king (v. 14, etc.).

Outline

Photo of the Sinai Wilderness

Deuteronomy 17:18-19 And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of [that which is] before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:

Religious Jew Reading the Scroll of the Torah, notice the prayer shawl over his head and the phylacteries on his forehead and arm to remind him that he must keep the law with his head and his heart. He is reading the scroll of the Torah which was written on parchment and fastened to rollers.

Painted sketch of ancient writing instruments

Important Topics for Bible Study

Quick Reference Map

Map of the Possible Route of the Exodus (Click to Enlarge)

Ancient Customs

Ancient People

Geography
the wilderness
the mount of God

Quick Reference Maps

The Exodus of the Hebrews

Mount Horeb

The Red Sea

Map of the Red Sea and Egypt (Click to Enlarge)

The Old Testament

Exodus Resources

Moses and the Exodus
The Giving of the Law
The Tabernacle
The Wilderness Wanderings