In studying for a class on the book of Deuteronomy, I was inspired by what Moses said to the people in Deuteronomy 17:16-20. The context of these verses is in regards to any future king that Israel might have (God obviously foreseeing what would eventually occur in Israel’s coming years). This is what Moses commanded:
“Only he (the king) must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.'”
“And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away,”
“nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold.”
“And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel.”
If Israel was to continue to be a nation blessed by God while being led by a king, then the king would have to lead the kingdom in righteousness.
These same instructions are applicable and much needed for us today, are they not?
1) We “must not acquire many horses” or go seeking help from “Egypt.” That is, we are not to rely on the strength and wisdom of men. Instead we are to trust in GOD; His power, His might, His protection, His wisdom.
2) We must not let our “heart turn away.” The king would have to protect himself from that which would lead his heart away from God. We too must protect ourselves from any and all things that would draw our hearts and attention away from God.
3) We must not seek “excessive silver and gold.” There is nothing wrong with having wealth. What is wrong is letting the wealth have you. We are to seek treasures in Heaven which are far better than all the gold or silver of this world.
4) We must have God’s word and do what the king was instructed to do: “And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left.”
In the end the promise to the king and Israel was that they would be blessed, along with their future generations. We have God’s great and precious promises of eternal life. He has told us how we will remain faithful to Him. So don’t trust in yourself or others; trust in God. Watch out for the things drawing you away from God. Seek to be rich with God. Have His Word ready available to you all day, every day.
God bless.
A Cord of Blue 
Great lesson. I miss your sermons.
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