Deuteronomy 17:18

KJV

And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of [that which is] before the priests the Levites:

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be, when he sitteth {H3427} upon the throne {H3678} of his kingdom {H4467}, that he shall write {H3789} him a copy {H4932} of this law {H8451} in a book {H5612} out of that which is before {H6440} the priests {H3548} the Levites {H3881}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"When he has come to occupy the throne of his kingdom, he is to write a copy of this Torah for himself in a scroll, from the one the cohanim and L'vi'im use.

Berean Standard Bible

When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.

American Standard Version

And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the priests the Levites:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 17:18 articulates a foundational command for Israel's future king: upon ascending the throne, he was to personally transcribe a copy of the divine law from the authoritative text held by the Levitical priests. This mandate underscored the king's subservience to God's ultimate authority, ensuring his rule would be grounded in divine instruction rather than personal whim, and promoting a deep, personal engagement with the covenant stipulations that governed the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the "Deuteronomic Code" (chapters 12-26), a section of Moses's farewell address that outlines specific laws and statutes for Israel's life in the Promised Land. More precisely, it forms part of the "Law of the King" found in [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - The Law of the King"). This segment immediately follows instructions concerning judges and legal procedures ([Deuteronomy 16:18-17:13](/deuteronomy/16-18 "Deuteronomy 16:18 - Judges and Justice")), emphasizing that even the highest office in the land would be subject to divine law, just as the judiciary was. The king's law is presented not as a divine right to absolute power, but as a carefully circumscribed role within God's covenant framework, anticipating Israel's future desire for a monarch, yet providing safeguards against the abuses common in surrounding nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses delivered these instructions to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, poised to enter Canaan. At this time, Israel was a tribal confederacy, not a monarchy, but Moses prophetically anticipated their future desire for a king "like all the nations that are around me" ([Deuteronomy 17:14](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14 - Israel's Future King")). Unlike the absolute monarchs of Egypt or the city-states of Canaan, whose authority was often considered divine and whose word was law, Israel's king was to be a servant under God's supreme rule. The command for the king to personally copy the law stood in stark contrast to the common practice of kings relying on scribes or advisors; it was a unique safeguard designed to prevent the king from exalting himself above his brethren or deviating from the divine statutes, as explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 17:20](/deuteronomy/17-20 "Deuteronomy 17:20 - The King's Heart"). The role of the "priests the Levites" as custodians of the authoritative text was crucial, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the law.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme this verse contributes to is **Divine Sovereignty over Human Authority**. It powerfully asserts that even the highest earthly ruler in Israel was not above God's law but was unequivocally subject to it. This personal act of copying the law also highlights the theme of **Personal Engagement with Scripture**, emphasizing that true leadership, especially in God's covenant community, requires deep, intimate knowledge and internalization of divine truth. Furthermore, it underscores **Accountability and Humility** for those in positions of power, directly countering the natural human tendency towards pride and self-exaltation ([Deuteronomy 17:20](/deuteronomy/17-20 "Deuteronomy 17:20 - The King's Heart Not Lifted Up")). Finally, the mention of the "priests the Levites" reinforces the theme of **Custodianship of God's Word**, recognizing their vital role in preserving and transmitting the sacred text for future generations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Write (כָּתַב, _katav_):** This Hebrew verb signifies not merely reading or summarizing, but the meticulous act of inscription or transcription. It implies a careful, deliberate, and perhaps laborious process of copying the text verbatim. This personal act of writing was intended to engrave the law not just on paper, but on the king's heart and mind, fostering deep understanding and retention.
* **Copy (מִשְׁנֶה, _mishneh_):** Literally meaning "second" or "duplicate," this term emphasizes that the king was not to create his own version or interpretation of the law, but to produce an exact replica of the authoritative text. This ensured doctrinal purity and prevented the king from manipulating the law to suit his own agenda, reinforcing the unchanging nature of God's commands.
* **Law (תּוֹרָה, _torah_):** While often translated as "law," _torah_ is a much broader concept in Hebrew, encompassing divine instruction, teaching, and revelation. It refers to the entire body of God's covenant stipulations given through Moses, not just a set of legal codes. The king was to copy the full _torah_, indicating that his rule was to be comprehensively governed by God's entire revealed will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom":** This clause establishes the precise moment and context for the command. It is not a task for a potential king, but a mandatory duty for the one who has actually assumed the highest office. The act of sitting on the throne symbolizes the commencement of his reign and the assumption of royal authority, immediately linking that authority to accountability under God's word.
* **"that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book":** This is the core command. The king himself, not a scribe or delegate, is to personally transcribe the entire _torah_. The phrase "in a book" indicates a tangible, preserved document that would serve as his constant guide and reference. This laborious act was designed to foster intimate familiarity with God's commands, ensuring that his decisions and policies would be rooted in divine wisdom rather than human expediency or ambition.
* **"out of [that which is] before the priests the Levites":** This specifies the authoritative source for the king's copy. The Levites, particularly the priests, were the designated custodians of the original, authentic text of the law. This provision ensured that the king's copy would be accurate, uncorrupted, and derived from the divinely preserved standard, preventing any deviation or fabrication of the law. It also subtly highlights the complementary roles of spiritual and civil authority in Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 17:18 effectively employs **Didacticism**, serving as a clear instruction for the future monarch, teaching him and by extension, the entire nation, about the nature of righteous leadership. The act of copying the law itself functions as powerful **Symbolism**; it is not merely a practical task but a profound symbolic gesture of submission, humility, and dedication to God's word. It symbolizes the king's heart being "written upon" by the divine statutes. Furthermore, the passage demonstrates **Anticipation**, as Moses, speaking prophetically, anticipates a future time when Israel will desire a king, providing divine guidelines long before such a monarchy is established. This foresight underscores God's providential care and His desire to order every aspect of Israelite life, including its highest political office.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 17:18 profoundly shapes the biblical understanding of leadership, particularly in a covenant community. It establishes that no human authority, regardless of its stature, is autonomous; all earthly power is derivative and accountable to God's supreme rule. The king, as God's chosen representative, was to govern not by his own wisdom or the customs of other nations, but strictly according to the divine _torah_. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, asserting that true wisdom and righteous governance flow from diligent engagement with and obedience to God's revealed will. The personal act of copying the law served as a spiritual discipline, fostering humility and preventing the king's heart from being "lifted up above his brethren" ([Deuteronomy 17:20](/deuteronomy/17-20 "Deuteronomy 17:20 - The King's Heart")). This command set Israel's monarchy apart, defining it as a unique institution under the direct authority of the King of Kings.

* [Joshua 1:8](/joshua/1-8 "Joshua 1:8 - Meditate on the Law")
* [Psalm 1:2](/psalm/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in the Law of the Lord")
* [Psalm 119:9-11](/psalm/119-9 "Psalm 119:9-11 - How Can a Young Man Keep His Way Pure?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 17:18 offers timeless wisdom for all believers, regardless of their station in life. While we are not commanded to physically copy the entire Bible, the principle of deep, personal, and laborious engagement with God's Word remains paramount. Just as the king's rule was to be shaped by the law, our lives, decisions, and leadership—whether in our families, workplaces, churches, or communities—must be continually informed and transformed by Scripture. This verse calls us to move beyond superficial reading or reliance on others' interpretations, urging us to immerse ourselves in God's truth, allowing it to penetrate our minds and hearts. Such diligent study cultivates humility, guards against pride, and equips us to live and lead in a manner that honors God and serves others righteously. It reminds us that true authority and wisdom come from submission to the divine Author.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I personally engage with God's Word beyond casual reading?**
* **How does my understanding and application of Scripture shape my leadership roles, whether formal or informal?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more disciplined interaction with the Bible, akin to the king's mandate to copy the law?**
* **How does the principle of accountability to God's Word challenge any tendencies towards pride or self-reliance in my own life?**

### FAQ
**Why did the king have to copy the law himself, rather than having a scribe do it?**

Answer: The command for the king to personally copy the law was a deliberate and profound spiritual discipline. It was not merely about possessing a copy, but about the transformative process of creation. By laboriously transcribing every word, the king would be forced into intimate familiarity with God's commands, internalizing the divine statutes in a way that passive reading or delegating the task could not achieve. This personal engagement was intended to humble him, prevent pride ([Deuteronomy 17:20](/deuteronomy/17-20 "Deuteronomy 17:20 - The King's Heart Not Lifted Up")), and ensure his rule was consistently guided by God's will, not his own whims or the corrupting influences of power.

**What exactly was "this law" that the king had to copy?**

Answer: "This law" (Hebrew: _torah_) refers to the entire body of divine instruction revealed through Moses, which would have included the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). It was a comprehensive guide covering not just legal statutes but also historical narratives, theological principles, and covenant stipulations. The king was expected to copy the entire divine revelation available at that time, indicating that his governance was to be holistically informed by God's complete word.

**Why was the copy to be made "out of [that which is] before the priests the Levites"?**

Answer: The priests and Levites were the designated custodians and interpreters of God's law within Israel. They were responsible for preserving the authoritative, uncorrupted text of the _torah_. By requiring the king to copy from their version, God ensured the authenticity and accuracy of the king's personal copy, preventing any deviation or manipulation of the divine commands. It also highlighted the complementary roles of the spiritual and civil authorities, with the king's temporal power being subject to the spiritual authority of God's unchanging word, as preserved by His appointed ministers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 17:18, with its emphasis on the king's submission to and embodiment of God's law, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Unlike earthly kings who often failed to live up to this demanding standard, Jesus is the King who perfectly fulfilled the Law, not by copying it, but by living it out flawlessly in every thought, word, and deed ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the embodiment of God's _torah_, the very Word made flesh who dwelt among us ([John 1:1, 14](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")). His authority as King is not derived from human election or power, but from His perfect obedience to the Father's will ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). As the true and greater King, Jesus reigns with perfect righteousness and justice, not needing to copy the law because He is the living Law, the very standard of God's truth. He is the ultimate leader who perfectly models humility and submission to God, inviting us into His kingdom where His perfect reign brings true freedom and life ([Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Jesus Preaches the Kingdom of God")). His future return will establish a kingdom where He rules not by a copied book, but by His very presence as the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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

2 Kings 11:12

And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and [gave him] the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.

Deuteronomy 31:9

¶ And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.

2 Chronicles 34:15

And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan.

Deuteronomy 31:24

And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,

Deuteronomy 31:26

Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.

2 Kings 22:8

And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.