Deuteronomy 17:19

And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:

And it shall be with him, and he shall read {H7121} therein all the days {H3117} of his life {H2416}: that he may learn {H3925} to fear {H3372} the LORD {H3068} his God {H430}, to keep {H8104} all the words {H1697} of this law {H8451} and these statutes {H2706}, to do {H6213} them:

It is to remain with him, and he is to read in it every day, as long as he lives; so that he will learn to fear ADONAI his God and keep all the words of this Torah and these laws and obey them;

It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this instruction and these statutes.

and it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear Jehovah his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them;

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Commentary

Context

Deuteronomy 17:19 is part of a larger section in the Book of Deuteronomy (chapters 16-18) that outlines various civil and religious laws for the Israelite nation as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Specifically, this verse concludes the instructions regarding the establishment of a king in Israel, a future event anticipated by Moses. The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 17:14-18) detail the qualifications and prohibitions for the king, such as not multiplying horses, wives, or excessive wealth. Verse 18 mandates that the king must write a copy of the law for himself. This verse (19) then explains the purpose and benefit of this lifelong engagement with God's divine instruction.

Key Themes

  • Lifelong Engagement with God's Word: The command for the king to keep the law "with him" and "read therein all the days of his life" underscores the necessity of continuous, personal study of God's commands. This was not a one-time task but a perpetual spiritual discipline for effective and righteous leadership.
  • The Fear of the LORD: The primary purpose of this diligent study is "that he may learn to fear the LORD his God." In biblical terms, the fear of the LORD signifies not terror, but profound reverence, awe, respect, and obedient submission to God's authority and character. It is the foundation of true wisdom and righteous living.
  • Obedience and Action: The ultimate goal of learning and fearing God is "to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them." Knowledge and reverence are not ends in themselves but must translate into practical obedience and righteous conduct. The king's personal obedience was crucial for setting an example for the entire nation. This principle resonates with the New Testament call to be doers of the word, and not hearers only.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Fear the LORD" (ื™ึดืจึฐืึทืช ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื”, yir'at Yahweh): This significant Hebrew phrase appears frequently in the Old Testament. It denotes a respectful and reverent attitude toward God that leads to obedience and worship, recognizing His supreme power and holiness.
  • "Law" (ืชึผื•ึนืจึธื”, Torah): While often translated as "law," Torah carries a broader meaning of "instruction" or "teaching." Here, it refers specifically to the divine revelation given through Moses, encompassing all the commandments, statutes, and judgments.
  • "Statutes" (ื—ึปืงึผื•ึนืช, chuqqot): These are decrees or ordinances, often emphasizing their fixed, binding, and established nature, distinct from general commands.

Practical Application

While this command was specifically given to the king of Israel, its principles hold profound relevance for all believers today. It teaches us that:

  • Consistent Engagement with Scripture is Vital: Just as the king needed daily immersion in God's law, believers today are called to a lifelong, diligent study of the Bible. It is not enough to read it occasionally; consistent interaction fosters spiritual growth and understanding.
  • Reverence Leads to Obedience: True knowledge of God deepens our reverence for Him, which in turn motivates us to obey His commands. The purpose of studying the Bible is not merely intellectual acquisition but transformation of the heart and life.
  • Leadership by Example: For those in positions of leadership (whether in family, church, or community), this verse highlights the critical importance of personal integrity and submission to God's Word. A leader's personal devotion and obedience powerfully influence those they lead.
  • God's Word Shapes Character: The daily reading and application of God's statutes mold our character, guiding us to live lives that honor Him and align with His will, ensuring stability and blessing, as promised in Deuteronomy 17:20.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 1:8

    This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

  • Psalms 119:97

    ยถ MEM. O how love I thy law! it [is] my meditation all the day.

  • Psalms 119:100

    I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

  • Psalms 1:2

    But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

  • John 5:39

    Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

  • 2 Timothy 3:15

    And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

  • 2 Timothy 3:17

    That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
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