Deuteronomy 17:9

And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and enquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment:

And thou shalt come {H935} unto the priests {H3548} the Levites {H3881}, and unto the judge {H8199} that shall be in those days {H3117}, and enquire {H1875}; and they shall shew {H5046} thee the sentence {H1697} of judgment {H4941}:

and appear before the cohanim, who are L'vi'im, and the judge in office at the time. Seek their opinion, and they will render a verdict for you.

You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case.

and thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days: and thou shalt inquire; and they shall show thee the sentence of judgment.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 17:9 outlines a critical aspect of ancient Israel's judicial system, establishing a final court of appeal for complex legal and religious disputes. This verse emphasizes the divine structure behind the nation's governance and the importance of seeking authoritative counsel.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy (chapters 16-18) that details laws concerning leadership and governance in Israel, including kings, priests, and prophets. Specifically, Deuteronomy 17:8 introduces the scenario of difficult cases that cannot be resolved at local levels, such as disputes over bloodshed, assault, or property. Verse 9 then prescribes the solution: bringing such matters to the central religious and judicial authorities in the place God would choose.

Key Themes

  • Centralized Authority: The verse establishes a supreme judicial body, ensuring uniformity and consistency in the application of God's law throughout Israel. This prevented arbitrary local rulings and maintained the integrity of the Mosaic covenant and the nation's legal system.
  • Divine Mandate for Justice: By instructing people to approach the "priests the Levites" and "the judge," God designates these individuals as His appointed agents for administering justice. Their rulings were to be respected as emanating from divine wisdom, not merely human opinion.
  • Seeking Authoritative Counsel: It highlights the necessity of seeking guidance from those who possess specialized knowledge and authority, especially in matters of law and faith. This principle encourages humility and reliance on established processes for resolving complex issues that require definitive answers.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "enquire" is darash (דרש), which signifies a diligent seeking, searching, or inquiring, often with the implication of seeking divine will or knowledge. It suggests a thorough investigation, not just a casual question. The phrase "sentence of judgment" (דבר משפט, debar mishpat) means literally "the word of judgment" or "the matter of judgment," underscoring the definitive and authoritative nature of the ruling provided by the priests and judge.

Practical Application

While the specific judicial system of ancient Israel is no longer in effect, the principles embedded in Deuteronomy 17:9 remain highly relevant for believers today:

  • Value of Wise Counsel: In our personal and communal lives, we are often faced with complex decisions, ethical dilemmas, or relational conflicts. This verse encourages seeking counsel from wise, experienced, and authoritative individuals—be they spiritual leaders, legal professionals, or trusted mentors—who can offer guidance rooted in biblical principles.
  • Respect for Established Authority: It underscores the importance of respecting and submitting to legitimate authorities, especially when they are acting within their God-given roles to maintain order and administer justice. For further understanding of submission to governing authorities, consider Romans 13:1.
  • Importance of Consistency: The need for a central authority to resolve disputes highlights the value of consistent application of principles, whether in legal systems, organizational governance, or even within families, to ensure fairness and prevent chaos.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 44:24 (5 votes)

    And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; [and] they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.

  • Haggai 2:11 (4 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests [concerning] the law, saying,

  • Malachi 2:7 (4 votes)

    For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

  • Jeremiah 18:18 (3 votes)

    ¶ Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.

  • Deuteronomy 19:17 (3 votes)

    Then both the men, between whom the controversy [is], shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;

  • Deuteronomy 19:21 (3 votes)

    And thine eye shall not pity; [but] life [shall go] for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.