Deuteronomy 16:18-17:20
WE here open the third section of the book; we have been studying the things that belonged to the religious life of Israel, and now begin upon the ordinary affairs of the people.
Judges and officers were to be provided in plenty, to deal justly in every matter that came up. No groves of trees might be planted near the altar of God, nor might a statue or image be set up, because both of these things led to idolatry. They were thus to avoid the appearance of evil such as marked the nations around. Sacrifices to God could not include any blemished animals. (See Malachi 1). The idolater should be put to death. Two or three witnesses were needed, —the word of one person not being sufficient.
When there were disagreements too. difficult to settle, they were to take them to God—to the place which the Lord their God should choose, there to inquire, and they who abode in His presence, would show what was of Him in the matter. He who refused that judgment should die; he presumed against God. There was no thought here of going to law before the world (1 Cor. 6:1-9), for everything was settled within the assembly of God. Surely it should be no different today!
The last section of the chapter relates to the choosing of a king to rule over the people. God knew they would want a king and here tells them what he must be, and what he must not be. Perhaps it is enough to say here. that all that he should not do, as we here learn, Solomon did; and that which he should do, told here, Solomon failed in, and he was the greatest king in point of splendor of his court, and the works he did, and in wisdom, of all the kings of Israel and Judah.
Man always fails in that which God trusts to him. God is the alone one in whom we can fully trust. Has He your trust, reader, for eternity?
“Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.” Romans 4:7.
ML 12/21/1924