Deuteronomy 17:16

KJV

But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.

KJV (with Strong's)

But he shall not multiply {H7235} horses {H5483} to himself, nor cause the people {H5971} to return {H7725} to Egypt {H4714}, to the end that he should multiply {H7235} horses {H5483}: forasmuch as the LORD {H3068} hath said {H559} unto you, Ye shall henceforth {H3254} return {H7725} no more that way {H1870}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, he is not to acquire many horses for himself or have the people return to Egypt to obtain more horses, inasmuch as ADONAI told you never to go back that way again.

Berean Standard Bible

But the king must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’

American Standard Version

Only he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he may multiply horses; forasmuch as Jehovah hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 17:16 lays down critical prohibitions for Israel's future king, designed to ensure his unwavering dependence on God rather than on worldly power or strategic alliances. The king is forbidden from accumulating an excessive number of horses, which symbolized military might and self-reliance, and from re-establishing ties with Egypt, the primary source of such power and a land representing Israel's past bondage. This divine command underscores the LORD's desire for Israel's leadership to be distinct from pagan nations, preventing both military self-sufficiency and spiritual compromise, thereby safeguarding the nation's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and preserving its identity as a people set apart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the "Law of the King," a foundational section within [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14-20 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - The Law of the King"). Moses, addressing the Israelites on the plains of Moab before their entry into the Promised Land, anticipates their future desire for a king, and proactively provides divine guidelines to prevent the monarchy from becoming a source of oppression or spiritual apostasy, as was common among surrounding nations. This specific law follows regulations concerning the judiciary and the priesthood, establishing a comprehensive framework for Israel's governance under God's ultimate sovereignty. The prohibitions against multiplying horses, silver, gold, and wives (as seen in [Deuteronomy 17:17](/deuteronomy/17-17 "Deuteronomy 17:17 - Further Laws for the King")) are strategically placed to curb the king's potential for pride, greed, and idolatry, ensuring he remains a humble servant of God and His people, rather than a despotic ruler who trusts in his own might.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, horses and chariots represented the apex of military technology, national prestige, and strategic power. Empires like Egypt were renowned for their formidable cavalry and often served as suppliers of these vital assets to other kingdoms, often in exchange for alliances or tribute. For Israel, a nation whose very identity was forged in a miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, any "return to Egypt," whether for military alliances, trade, or political expediency, carried profound symbolic and spiritual dangers. Such a move would signify a theological reversal of the Exodus, a rejection of God's redemptive act, and an embrace of the very system from which they had been freed. Furthermore, reliance on foreign military power invariably led to political entanglements, cultural assimilation, and the adoption of pagan religious practices, all of which threatened Israel's unique covenant identity. The command in [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Prohibitions for the King") thus served as a powerful reminder of Israel's distinct calling to be a holy nation, set apart and dependent solely on the LORD, not conforming to the ways of the world.
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Prohibitions for the King") contributes significantly to several overarching themes pervasive in Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **divine dependence versus human self-reliance**. Israel's true strength, security, and prosperity were to be found in their covenant relationship with Yahweh, not in military might or worldly alliances. This foundational principle is echoed throughout the prophetic literature, as seen in passages like [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord") and [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go to Egypt for Help"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Israel's distinctiveness and holiness**. The nation was to be set apart, explicitly forbidden from imitating the practices of pagan kings or nations, particularly Egypt, which symbolized their past slavery and a pervasive source of idolatrous influence. This theological separation was crucial for maintaining their unique identity as God's chosen people and a light to the nations. Lastly, the passage touches upon the theme of **preventing corruption and oppression within leadership**. An unchecked accumulation of power and wealth, symbolized by horses and foreign alliances, could easily lead to a king who exploits his people, forgets his divine mandate, and undermines the very justice and righteousness God desired for His kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Multiply (Hebrew, _râbâh'_):** This verb (H7235) means "to increase (in whatever respect); (bring in) abundance... (be, make) great(-er, -ly... (make to) multiply." The prohibition is not against having *any* horses, but against a policy of excessive accumulation, which would signify a strategic reliance on military strength rather than on God. It implies a deliberate and large-scale acquisition of cavalry, thereby shifting the nation's trust from divine protection to human might and worldly resources. The emphasis is on the *intent* behind the multiplication—to secure oneself apart from God's provision.
* **Horses (Hebrew, _çûwç'_):** This noun (H5483) refers to "a horse (as leaping)." In the ancient world, horses, especially when employed in chariots, were the ultimate symbol of military power, speed, and national prestige. They represented the pinnacle of human strength, technological advancement, and a nation's ability to project force. By forbidding the king to multiply horses, God directly challenged the conventional wisdom of the day, asserting that Israel's true strength lay in its covenant with Him, not in its armaments or worldly might.
* **Return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) means "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again." The command "nor cause the people to return to Egypt" is a powerful echo of God's definitive act of deliverance from Egypt. It signifies a spiritual, political, and even economic reversal of the Exodus. To "return" to Egypt, even indirectly for resources, was to deny God's past redemption, to invite the spiritual dangers associated with the land of bondage (including idolatry), and to risk a renewed form of servitude or compromise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he shall not multiply horses to himself":** This initial clause establishes a clear and direct prohibition against the king accumulating a large military force based on cavalry. The phrase "to himself" underscores that such an accumulation would be for the king's personal power, prestige, and perceived security, rather than an expression of trust in God for the nation's defense. It fundamentally challenges the king to place his ultimate reliance on divine provision and protection over human military might and strategic advantage.
* **"nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses":** This second clause directly links the prohibition against multiplying horses to the profound danger of re-engaging with Egypt. Egypt was the renowned source of superior horses and chariots, meaning any significant acquisition would necessitate a "return" to or alliance with Egypt. This command serves as a stark and potent reminder of Israel's past bondage and God's miraculous, redemptive deliverance. It explicitly forbids any action that would lead the people back into the spiritual, political, or economic sphere of Egypt's pervasive influence, thereby compromising their distinct covenant identity and their unique relationship with God.
* **"forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.":** This final clause provides the divine rationale, authority, and non-negotiable nature for the preceding prohibitions. It grounds the command in a prior, foundational declaration by the LORD (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), likely referring to the spirit and explicit declarations within the Exodus narrative where God definitively separated Israel from Egypt and commanded them never to go back. This underscores the absolute and irrevocable nature of the command, emphasizing that Israel's future identity, security, and spiritual well-being are inextricably tied to their complete separation from their former enslavers and their exclusive reliance on God alone.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 17:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is central, with "horses" serving as a powerful symbol of human strength, military might, and worldly reliance. By prohibiting their multiplication, the text symbolically rejects any trust placed in human power over divine sovereignty and provision. Similarly, "Egypt" functions as a potent symbol of past bondage, worldly systems, and spiritual compromise. The command not to "return" to Egypt is a symbolic call to maintain spiritual purity, covenant faithfulness, and to resist entanglements that could lead to idolatry or a reversal of God's redemptive work. The device of **Repetition** is also evident in the recurring theme of "multiplying horses" and "returning to Egypt," which reinforces the gravity and interconnectedness of these two prohibitions. The phrase "return no more that way" echoes the definitive and permanent nature of God's deliverance and His covenant expectations. Furthermore, the verse is structured as a **Negative Command** or prohibition, a common legal and ethical device throughout the Torah that clearly delineates boundaries and expectations for behavior, leaving no ambiguity about what is forbidden and why.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 17:16 profoundly articulates a foundational theological principle: true security, prosperity, and success for God's people, especially their leaders, stem from absolute dependence on Him, not from accumulating worldly power, wealth, or forming unholy alliances. This command transcends a mere military regulation; it is a spiritual directive against pride, self-sufficiency, and syncretism. It teaches that God's covenant people are to be distinct, their strength derived from divine favor and obedience, not from the same means by which pagan nations secure themselves. To "multiply horses" or "return to Egypt" is to deny the sufficiency of God, to compromise the unique identity He has given, and to invite spiritual decay, ultimately leading to a king who oppresses his people and a nation that forgets its redemptive history. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, challenging believers in every generation to examine where their ultimate trust lies and to live as a people set apart for God's glory.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go to Egypt for Help")
* [Hosea 14:3](/hosea/14-3 "Hosea 14:3 - Israel's Repentance and Restoration")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 17:16 offers timeless wisdom that challenges us to critically examine the true sources of our perceived security and strength. In a world that often equates power with possessions, influence, or military might, this verse calls us to a radical reorientation: true security and lasting peace are found only in absolute and unwavering dependence on God. For leaders, whether in the church, family, or public sphere, it serves as a powerful reminder that authority is a sacred trust to be exercised with humility, integrity, and a profound reliance on divine wisdom, resisting the pervasive temptation to accumulate power for personal gain or to oppress others. For individuals, this passage prompts deep introspection: What are the "horses" in my life—the worldly resources, achievements, relationships, or even personal abilities—that I am tempted to multiply and rely upon, rather than placing my full and unreserved trust in God? Am I prone to "return to Egypt," subtly slipping back into old patterns of sin, worldly mindsets, or unhealthy dependencies from which God has already graciously delivered me? This passage calls us to cultivate a posture of profound faith, remembering God's past faithfulness and actively choosing His distinct way over the world's alluring but ultimately empty promises, ensuring our lives reflect His holy and redemptive purpose for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "horses" (sources of worldly security or power like wealth, status, personal abilities, or human connections) do I tend to multiply in my life, rather than trusting God alone for my security and provision?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "return to Egypt" (revert to old patterns of sin, worldly mindsets, or unhealthy dependencies) after God has delivered me into new life and freedom?**
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of true strength, effective leadership, and personal security in a world that often values self-sufficiency and worldly accumulation?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more consistent dependence on God and actively resist the allure of worldly power, compromise, or self-reliance?**

### FAQ
**Was it completely forbidden for the king to have *any* horses, or just to multiply them excessively?**

Answer: The prohibition is specifically against "multiplying horses" (לֹא יַרְבֶּה־לּוֹ סוּסִים), which implies an excessive accumulation or a strategic policy of building up a large cavalry for national security and prestige. It was not a blanket ban on having *any* horses for practical purposes such as travel, communication, or light transport. The core emphasis is on the king's *reliance* and *trust*. God desired the king to trust implicitly in divine protection and provision, not in military might, which was often inextricably tied to foreign alliances and pagan influences. The very next verse, [Deuteronomy 17:17](/deuteronomy/17-17 "Deuteronomy 17:17 - Further Laws for the King"), similarly forbids multiplying wives or silver and gold, indicating a consistent concern for excess and the spiritual dangers associated with it, rather than an absolute prohibition on these things in moderation.

**Why was Egypt specifically mentioned in this prohibition?**

Answer: Egypt was explicitly mentioned for several critical and interconnected reasons. Historically, Egypt was renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its superior horses and chariots, making it the primary and most desirable source for such military assets. Spiritually and symbolically, Egypt represented Israel's foundational past bondage and the very oppressive system from which the LORD had miraculously delivered them through the Exodus. To "return to Egypt" for horses or anything else would signify a profound reversal of that divine deliverance, a theological betrayal of God's redemptive act, and a dangerous re-engagement with a culture deeply steeped in idolatry, polytheism, and spiritual oppression. It underscored God's unwavering desire for Israel to be a distinct, holy, and set-apart nation, completely separate from the pagan practices and political entanglements of the surrounding world, and to perpetually remember their foundational redemption and the sufficiency of their God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 17:16 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and perfect King of Israel, who perfectly embodied the principles outlined in this ancient law. Unlike earthly monarchs who sought power through military might, strategic accumulation, and worldly alliances, Jesus's kingship was fundamentally and radically different. He did not "multiply horses" or rely on worldly armies; instead, He entered Jerusalem humbly on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The Coming of Zion's King"), demonstrating that His kingdom is not of this world and does not rely on worldly power or coercive force ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). Furthermore, Jesus never caused His people to "return to Egypt." On the contrary, He came to deliver humanity from a far greater and more pervasive bondage—slavery to sin and death. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He leads His people out of spiritual "Egypt" into the glorious freedom of God's kingdom and eternal life ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Self Crucified") and [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). He is the King who perfectly trusted in God the Father, even to the point of obedient death on the cross, providing the ultimate example of divine dependence and self-emptying love ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). In Christ, we find our true security, not in accumulated wealth, power, or human strength, but in His finished work and His sovereign, righteous rule, making Him the perfect fulfillment of the King God desired for His people. We are called to place our complete trust in Him alone, for He is our ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and our eternal King who reigns in righteousness and peace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 31:1

¶ Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Isaiah 31:3

Now the Egyptians [are] men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.

Deuteronomy 28:68

And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy [you].

Ezekiel 17:15

But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such [things]? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?

Hosea 11:5

He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.

Psalms 20:7

Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Numbers 14:3

And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?