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.
Deuteronomy 17:19-20
This requirement that Israel's king maintain a personal relationship with God through the Law was meant to help secure strong spiritual leadership. The king was to handcopy the Pentateuch (see Deuteronomy 17:18). He was to keep it handy and read from it daily.
The benefits of such a daily regard for scripture were personal and also protective for the nation. Personally, the king would learn to fear God by such commitment to His Word. He would learn to keep the Law and do what God commanded. This would keep the king tender toward God. It would keep God clearly in control of the kingdom because the king answered to God and looked to God's Word for guidance and leadership himself.
The nation would be protected if the king did this. He would not be easily swayed from putting aside God's instructions for the nation. Idolatry would be difficult if he daily practiced this discipline of reading God's Law. God promised a long rule and a strong family to the king who would practice daily study in the Law. The nation in turn would benefit from the rule of a spiritually healthy king and his sons after him. Leaders who obey God will bless many generations.
- Posted with my iPad. The Apple Kool-Aide tastes fine.
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