Deuteronomy 17

17:1 A sick or defective animal had little monetary value, so it was no sacrifice to surrender it to the Lord (cp. 15:21).

17:3 The forces of heaven are visible objects such as the sun, moon, and stars, as well as invisible beings such as angels. Worship of anyone or anything created by God is a clear violation of the second commandment (see 5:9).

17:4 Anything offensive to the Lord could be called a detestable thing (see 7:25; 12:31; 13:14).

17:5 the gates: A typical town in ancient Israel was small (about 10 acres or less) and crowded. It had few open areas except for a plaza just inside or outside the main gate where public meetings were held, including trials and other judicial proceedings. The place here is clearly outside of the town because stoning to death would not occur inside the walls (22:24; 1 Kgs 21:10) except under unusual circumstances (Deut 22:21).

17:7 The instruction for witnesses to throw the first stones guarded against unfounded allegations. False testimony carried serious consequences. Requiring a witness to take the leading role in an execution helped guarantee the reliability of his testimony; he would personally bear the guilt if he took the life of an innocent person (see John 8:1-11). • The people would purge the evil from among you by executing those whose sin brought the stain of guilt upon the community of Israel (see “Purge the Evil” Theme Note; cp. 1 Cor 5:12-13 and study note).

17:8 whether someone is guilty of murder or only of manslaughter: In Old Testament law, as in modern jurisprudence, murder was intentional, manslaughter was accidental (cp. 19:1-13).

17:9 priests or the judge: Both types of officials could decide matters of either a religious or a secular nature.

17:11 do not modify it: This Hebrew term envisions keeping on a straight path (cp. Prov 4:25-27; Heb 12:13). Once a verdict has been rendered, the sentence must be applied according to the law and the rules of evidence. Justice must be carried out on an unswerving path of fairness and righteousness.

17:12 purge the evil: The effects of evil should not be allowed to fester in the community. Like a cancer, they must be completely eradicated.

17:15 the man the Lord your God chooses: Human monarchy was not contrary to God’s will for Israel (cp. 1 Sam 8:6-7)—God promised Abraham and Sarah that their descendants would include kings (Gen 17:6, 16; see also Gen 35:11). But the abuses of kingship were condemned. The theology that views the Messiah in a kingly role (2 Sam 7:11-15; Pss 2; 110; Isa 9:6-7) provides for both human and divine royalty.

17:16 never return to Egypt: Going there would show a king’s lack of dependence on God, who had redeemed Israel from bondage to Egypt. The best horses were found in Egypt (see 1 Kgs 10:28-29).

17:17 many wives: Polygamy is neither prohibited nor sanctioned here. This guideline was meant to moderate and regulate the practice. In the ancient world, kings married many wives to cement political alliances with other kingdoms, showing trust in human power rather than God’s provision. David (2 Sam 5:13; 12:11) and Solomon (1 Kgs 11:3-4) both ignored this warning to their own great harm and that of the nation. • must not accumulate: The amassing of wealth was another sign of dependence on human resources.

17:18 This body of instruction (literally this torah) refers to the book of Deuteronomy or perhaps only to this passage concerning the Israelite monarchy. For torah, see study note on 4:44.