Deuteronomy 17: God Is Our Only King

Deuteronomy 17: God Is Our Only King

Collin Leong. July 17th, 2026

(v1-7) Various Instructions

(v1) "You shall not sacrifice to the LORD your God an ox or a sheep which is blemish, and defect whatever, for that is an abomination to the LORD your God."

Exp: This is a continuation from previous chapter where they are not to worship idols that the Canaanites worshiped. Here they are told not to offer blemish animals. Lev 22:17-25 detailed a list of defects (blind, injured, maimed, etc.) that disqualify animals from sacrifice. 

There are two reasons for this commandment. The first one is because God is holy, and it points to the holy sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who knew no sin. The blemish represents sin. Second is that archaeological and textual evidence shows that Canaanites did not have strict rules against offering blemished or mutilated animals. Ugaritic Texts (KTU 1.40) are West-semitic ritual texts from Ugarit (13th century BC) describe offerings that included mutilated animals. Other sites (Megiddo, Tel Arad, Beersheba) show Israelite altars with no castrated animal bones, highlighting the contrast with Canaanite practice.

(v2-5) "If there is found among you, within any of your towns, a man or woman who does what is evil in the sight of the LORD your God, in transgressing His covenant, and has gone and served other gods and worshipped them, or the sun or the moon or any of the host of heaven, and it is told you and your hear of it, then you shall inquire diligently, and if it is true and certain that such an abomination has been done in Israel, then you shall bring him or her out to your gates who has done this evil thing, and you shall stone that person to death with stones."

Exp: This commandment has been give before, in Exo 22:20; Lev 20:1-5; Deut 13:1-18.

(v6-7) "On the evidence of two or three witnesses, the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witnesses. The hand of the witnesses shall be first to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from your midst." 

Exp: They need at least 2 witnesses before the suspect can be stoned to death. One witness is not enough, as the witness may lie because he hates him/her for some reason. Also the witnesses will be first to kill the person - so they must be absolutely sure they saw him/her committed the abomination. Otherwise, they will be accused of murder by God. 

(v8-13) Legal Decisions by Priests and Judges (Exo 18:13-26; 21-23; Lev 10:8-11, 24:10-23; Num 15:32-36, 27:1-11,21; 35:9-34)

(v8-9) "If any case arises requiring decision between one kind of homicide and another, one kind of legal right and another, or one kind of assault and another, any case within you towns that is too difficult for you. then you shall come to the Levitical priests and to the judge who is in office in those days, and you shall consult them, and they shall declare to you the decision."

This is addressing the local priests and judges in each town, that deal with local cases and disputes. (Deut 16:18 - “Judges and officers you shall appoint in all your towns…”). When cases becomes too complex, they can seek consultation from a central legal office of priests and the "judge who is in office". This suggests one recognized figure, not a collective of local judges. This "chief" judge was the supreme civil authority, functioning like a chief justice.

Examples of these judges were Moses, where difficult cases were brought to him (Exo 18:13-26; Num 27:1-11); Joshua, who issued covenant rulings and set binding statutes at Shechem (Jos 24:1-25); Samuel judged Israel all his life (1 Sam 7:15-17); Once monarchy was established, the kings themselves became the supreme judge (2 Sam 15:2-4; 1 Kings 3:16-28)

The phrase "you shall arise and go up to the place that the Lord your God will choose" in v8, implies they have to travel to the central location God has chosen. Just as Solomon judged complex cases directly (1 Kings 3:16–28). Petitioners came physically before him. In the Second Temple period, the Sanhedrin sat in Jerusalem, and litigants traveled there for final rulings.

(v10-11) "Then you shall do according to what they declare to you, at you shall be careful to do according to all that they direct you.  According to the instructions and decisions which they pronounce to you, you shall do. You shall not turn aside from the verdict that they declare to you, either to the right hand or to the left."

(v12-13) "The man who acts presumptuously by not obeying the priest who stands to minister there before the LORD you God, or the judge, that man shall die. So you shall purge the evil from Israel. And all the people shall hear and fear and no act presumptuously again."

Exp: This repetitive command in v10-11, to do exactly what they have said, implies binding authority of the central priests and judge. Once the sanctuary court issues a decision, it is final. Verse 12 warns that anyone who presumes to disobey the priest or judge “shall die.” This underscores that disregarding their verdict is tantamount to rejecting God’s authority. 

(v14-20) Principles Governing Kings (no previous references)

(v14-15) "When you come to the land that the LORD is giving you, and you possess it and dwell in it and then say, 'I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are around me,' you may indeed set a king over you who the LORD your God will choose. One from your brothers you shall set as king over you. You may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother."

Exp: Moses is making a prophecy that one day, Israel will want a king. However, this is a negative prophecy - God knows they will eventually desire to have a king, "like all nations." This happened in 1 Sam 8:5-18. God allowed it but He was upset and said "... they have rejected me as their king." God instructed Samuel to warn them about the burdens a king would impose. But they insist on it.

God also said that the kings will be chosen by Him. In scripture, Saul, David, and Solomon was chosen by God (1 Sam 9:16,10:1,16:1,12-13; 1 Chron 28:5-7; 1 King 3:5-14). The later kings of Judah followed dynastic succession - this will end with Jesus being the king (blood line of David) when he comes back again. For the northern kingdom of Israel, God appointed Jeroboam as the king (1 King 12). But subsequent kings often seized power through rebellion, assassination, or political maneuvering. Still, prophets (like Elijah, Elisha, Hosea) declared God’s judgment or approval, showing divine sovereignty even over human schemes.

(v16-17) "Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the LORD had told never to 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. 

Exp: God knows that human kings will eventually disobey the rules in v16-17. These rules were made to that they do not get proud and become disobedient to the law. When a king disobey the law, the whole nation will follow him into destruction, which was happened during the exiles. 

For example, Solomon violated God's rules in v16-17, and his wives “turned away his heart after other gods,” leading him to build altars for idols like Chemosh and Molech. The division occurred under his son Rehoboam (1 Kings 12), splitting Israel into the northern and southern kingdoms. Solomon’s idolatry planted seeds of spiritual corruption that plagued Israel for generations. His reign became a cautionary tale: wisdom without obedience leads to ruin.

(See Appendix on how Saul, David and Solomon broke the rules.)

(v18-20) "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. 

Exp: The king must write his own Torah, and read it everyday. The purpose is to (1) Fear the Lord, (2) Obey the Law, (3) Remain humble, (4) Avoid turning to sin, and (6) Prolong his reign. By copying and reading the law, the king’s authority was tethered to God’s authority. “Not lifted up above his brothers” means the king must see himself as a servant, not a tyrant. This prevents arrogance and oppression. Daily reading kept the king aligned with God’s covenant, ensuring justice and righteousness in leadership. Obedience brought blessing and continuity for the king’s dynasty.

The scripture did not record that Saul, David or Solomon copied the Torah and read it everyday. However, David wrote the Psalms, and Solomon wrote Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. These 4 books are part of the bible. 

Key Messages

Deuteronomy 17 is Moses’ instruction on maintaining covenant purity in worship, ensuring justice in legal matters, and regulating kingship in Israel. It emphasizes exclusive devotion to God, careful judicial process, communal responsibility, and the humility of leaders under God’s law. Themes include covenant loyalty, justice, accountability, leadership, and obedience to God’s Word.

1. Prohibition of Defective Sacrifices (v. 1)

Israel must not offer to the LORD an ox or sheep with blemish, for such is detestable.

Application: Believers are reminded that worship must be wholehearted and pure. Faith requires offering God our best, not leftovers or compromised devotion. True worship reflects reverence and integrity.

2. Punishment for Idolatry (vv. 2–7)

If anyone is found worshiping other gods, thorough investigation must be made. If confirmed, the guilty are to be stoned, with witnesses initiating the punishment.

Application: Believers are reminded that idolatry is a serious breach of covenant loyalty. Faith requires rejecting rival allegiances and guarding the community from corruption. Accountability protects holiness.

3. Judicial Authority and Obedience (vv. 8–13)

Difficult cases must be brought to the priests and judges at the place God chooses. Their verdict must be obeyed, and defiance is punishable by death to preserve justice and order.

Application: Believers are reminded that God establishes authority to maintain justice. Faith requires respect for godly leadership and submission to righteous judgment. Obedience to spiritual authority fosters communal peace.

4. Regulations for Kingship (vv. 14–20)

When Israel appoints a king, he must be chosen by God, an Israelite, not multiply horses, wives, or wealth, and must write and read God’s law daily to remain humble and obedient.

Application: Believers are reminded that leadership must be marked by humility, obedience, and devotion to God’s Word. Faith requires leaders to resist pride, excess, and corruption, modeling covenant loyalty. For all believers, the principle applies: God’s Word must govern our lives, shaping humility and obedience.

In summary, Deuteronomy 17 calls Israel to pure worship, faithful justice, and humble leadership under God’s law. Believers today are reminded that devotion to God requires integrity in worship, accountability in community, respect for authority, and humility in leadership.

Appendix

1. First Three Kings and their wives, concubines, and wealth

King	Wives	Concubines	Wealth
Saul	1 wife (Ahinoam, 1 Sam 14:50)	1 concubine (Rizpah, 2 Sam 21:8–10)	Limited; gave fields/vineyards to officials (1 Sam 22:7), shared war spoils, not described as wealthy
David	8 named wives (Michal, Abigail, Ahinoam, Maacah, Haggith, Abital, Eglah, Bathsheba)	“Many” concubines (2 Sam 5:13), at least 10 mentioned during Absalom’s rebellion (2 Sam 15:16; 20:3)	Moderate; gained wealth from conquests, tribute, spoils; not described as extravagant
Solomon	700 wives	300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3)	Extremely wealthy; gold, silver, trade, tribute (1 Kings 10:14–23), far beyond any other king