16 But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall not return that way again.’ 17 Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself.—Deuteronomy 17:16-17
How wise is our God? Woman, money and power...three things that can lure a king’s heart (and ours)
from following our Lord...Beloved, keep your heart with all diligence for out of it springs the issues of life.
9 How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
10 With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.—Psalm 119:9-11
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18 “Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites.—Deuteronomy 17:18
His first act as king was to write a copy of God’s law in a book. The writing down of something helps us to engrave it on our hearts.
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.—Jeremiah 31:33
And again...
9 How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
10 With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.—Psalm 119:9-11
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19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes—Deuteronomy 17:19
He shall keep it with him
He shall read it daily
Why? So he learns to fear the Lord and to be careful to observe all that is in it. Beloved, keep God’s word near to you. The daily reading of it brings conviction to our hearts and reminds us that we need God every moment of every day.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."—Joshua 1:8-9
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that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel.—Deuteronomy 17:20
When we are not immersing ourselves in the word, our hearts tend toward pride. We find ourselves looking down on and criticizing the people around us. In reading the word daily the king (and us) are more likely to be merciful and forgiving because the word would convict our hearts and remind us of our own need for mercy and forgiveness.
I love the last promise (17:20b) the most being both a mom and a grandmother. If I read God’s word consistently and observe to do all that is commanded in it, my word and deed will match. I will walk in the ways and in the truth of my God and my children and grandchildren will follow. For the king the promise would be not only for his children, but also for the people over which he ruled. A perfect premise and a glorious promise.
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