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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Deuteronomy 17  › Deuteronomy 17:18

Deuteronomy 17:18

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Deuteronomy 17:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version 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:

American Standard Version ASV

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:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And when he has taken his place on the seat of his kingdom, he is to make in a book a copy of this law, from that which the priests, the Levites, have in their care:

Free Bible Version FBV

Once he is king and sits on his royal throne, he must make a copy for himself of these instructions, writing them on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when he shall sit vpon the throne of his kingdo, then shall he write him this Law repeted in a booke, by the Priests of the Leuites.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And it hath been, when he sitteth on the throne of his kingdom, that he hath written for himself the copy of this law, on a book, from [that] before the priests the Levites,

World English Bible WEB

It shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write himself a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the Levitical priests.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But after he is raised to the throne of his kingdom, he shall copy out to himself the Deuteronomy of this law in a volume, taking the copy of the priests of the Levitical tribe,

Translation for Translators T4T

“When he becomes your king, he must appoint someone to copy these laws. He must copy them from the scroll that is kept by the priests who are descended from Levi.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 17:18

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 17:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/הָיָ֣ה כְ/שִׁבְתּ֔/וֹ עַ֖ל כִּסֵּ֣א מַמְלַכְתּ֑/וֹ וְ/כָ֨תַב ל֜/וֹ אֶת מִשְׁנֵ֨ה הַ/תּוֹרָ֤ה הַ/זֹּאת֙ עַל סֵ֔פֶר מִ/לִּ/פְנֵ֥י הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים הַ/לְוִיִּֽם
וְ/הָיָ֣ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כְ/שִׁבְתּ֔/וֹ yâshab H3427 to dwell Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
כִּסֵּ֣א kiççêʼ H3678 throne N-ms
מַמְלַכְתּ֑/וֹ mamlâkâh H4467 kingdom N-fs | Suff
וְ/כָ֨תַב kâthab H3789 to write Conj | V-Qal-3ms
ל֜/וֹ Prep | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
מִשְׁנֵ֨ה mishneh H4932 second N-ms
הַ/תּוֹרָ֤ה tôwrâh H8451 instruction Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּאת֙ zôʼth H2063 this Art | Pron
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
סֵ֔פֶר çêpher H5612 scroll N-ms
מִ/לִּ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 face Prep | Prep | N-cp
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-mp
הַ/לְוִיִּֽם Lêvîyîy H3881 Levi Art | Ngmpa
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 17:18

וְ/הָיָ֣ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְ/שִׁבְתּ֔/וֹ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כִּסֵּ֣א kiççêʼ H3678 "throne" N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a throne, symbolizing a seat of power or authority, often canopied or covered. It is used to describe the throne of God or a king, representing royal dignity and power.
Definition: 1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool 1a) seat (of honour), throne 1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: seat, stool, throne. See also: Genesis 41:40; 2 Chronicles 23:20; Psalms 9:5.
מַמְלַכְתּ֑/וֹ mamlâkâh H4467 "kingdom" N-fs | Suff
This word refers to a kingdom or dominion, describing a ruler's power or territory. In the Bible, it is used to describe the kingdoms of Israel and other nations, as well as God's sovereignty. It emphasizes a ruler's authority and control.
Definition: 1) kingdom, dominion, reign, sovereignty 1a) kingdom, realm 1b) sovereignty, dominion 1c) reign
Usage: Occurs in 113 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, king's, reign, royal. See also: Genesis 10:10; 2 Chronicles 22:9; Psalms 46:7.
וְ/כָ֨תַב kâthab H3789 "to write" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
ל֜/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִשְׁנֵ֨ה mishneh H4932 "second" N-ms
Mishneh means a second or duplicate, like a copy of a document, or something that is double in amount, also referring to a second in order or rank, like a secondary position or a copy of a law.
Definition: 1) double, copy, second, repetition 1a) double 1b) copy (of law) 1c) second (in order) 1c1) second rank 1c2) second in age 1d) second quarter or district
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: college, copy, double, fatlings, next, second (order), twice as much. See also: Genesis 41:43; 1 Chronicles 15:18; Isaiah 61:7.
הַ/תּוֹרָ֤ה tôwrâh H8451 "instruction" Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
הַ/זֹּאת֙ zôʼth H2063 "this" Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
סֵ֔פֶר çêpher H5612 "scroll" N-ms
This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.
Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.
מִ/לִּ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
הַ/לְוִיִּֽם Lêvîyîy H3881 "Levi" Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 17:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 31:9 So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel.
2 2 Kings 22:8 Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD!” And he gave it to Shaphan, who read it.
3 2 Chronicles 34:15 And Hilkiah said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD!” And he gave it to Shaphan.
4 2 Kings 11:12 Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and declared, “Long live the king!”
5 Deuteronomy 31:24–26 When Moses had finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end, he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD: “Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, so that it may remain there as a witness against you.

Deuteronomy 17:18 Summary

[This verse, Deuteronomy 17:18, tells us that when a king sat on his throne, he had to write down a copy of God's instructions for himself, with the Levitical priests present, to remind him of God's laws and guide his decisions, similar to how we are encouraged to meditate on God's Word in Psalm 119:97-98. By doing so, the king acknowledged God's authority over his kingdom and his role as a steward of God's people, as seen in Romans 13:1-2. This practice helped the king to stay humble and follow God's ways, and it can inspire us to prioritize reading and reflecting on God's Word in our own lives, as instructed in Deuteronomy 17:19.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was it important for the king to write a copy of God's instruction for himself?

This act of writing a copy of God's instruction demonstrated the king's commitment to following God's laws, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:18, and helped him to remember his accountability to God, as noted in Proverbs 4:13.

What role did the Levitical priests play in this process?

The Levitical priests were present when the king wrote his copy of God's instruction, as stated in Deuteronomy 17:18, indicating their role in ensuring the king's obedience to God's laws and providing guidance when needed, similar to their role in Exodus 18:19-23.

How does this practice apply to modern-day leaders or Christians?

While the specific practice of writing a copy of God's instruction may not be directly applicable, the principle of regularly engaging with and reflecting on God's Word is still essential for leaders and Christians today, as seen in Psalm 1:2 and Matthew 4:4.

What was the significance of the king's throne in this context?

The king's throne represented his position of authority, and by writing a copy of God's instruction while seated on it, he acknowledged God's sovereignty over his kingdom, as stated in Deuteronomy 17:18, and recognized his role as a steward of God's people, similar to the concept in Romans 13:1-2.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can prioritize reading and reflecting on God's Word in my daily life, just as the king was instructed to do in Deuteronomy 17:18-19?
  2. How can I ensure that my heart remains humble and submitted to God's will, even when I am in a position of authority or influence?
  3. What are some potential consequences of neglecting to regularly engage with God's Word, and how can I avoid these pitfalls in my own life?
  4. In what ways can I, like the king, demonstrate my commitment to following God's laws and principles in my own life and leadership?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 17:18

And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom,.... When he is settled on it, and is even amidst all the pomp and glory of it: that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 17:18

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: He shall write him a copy.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:18

He shall write; either with his own hand, as the Jews say; or, at least, by his command and procurement. Out of that which is before the priests the Levites, i.e. out of the original, which was carefully kept by the priests in the sanctuary, , partly that it might be a true and perfect copy, and partly that it might have the greater authority and influence upon him, coming to him as from the hand and presence of God.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:18

Deuteronomy 17:18 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:Ver. 18. He shall write him a copy.] The Jews say, that if printing had been found out then, yet was the king bound to write two copies of the law with his own hand, one to keep in the treasury, and another to carry about him. This book of God was David’ s delight. Alphonsus, king of Aragon, is reported to have read over the Bible fourteen times, with Lyra’ s notes upon it. Charles the Wise, of France, not only caused the Bible to be translated into French, as our King Alfred translated the Psalter himself into his Saxon tongue, but was also very studious in the Holy Scripture. And that peerless princess, Queen Elizabeth, as she passed in triumphal state through the streets of London after her coronation, when the Bible was presented to her at the little conduit in Cheapside, received the same with both her hands, and kissing it, laid it to her breasts, saying, that the same had ever been her chiefest delight, and should be the rule whereby she meant to frame her government. Speed’ s Hist.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:18

(18) He shall write him a copy of this law.—This phrase is the source of the Greek title of the book, Deuteronomion, or in English, Deuteronomy. The word appears also in Joshua 8:32. The English conveys the right sense of the word, which primarily denotes repetition. In Hebrew it is Mishneh, the name afterwards given to the “text” of the Talmud, of which the idea is to repeat the law; though it is a somewhat peculiar repetition, in which minutiœ are chiefly dealt with, and weightier matters left out. There are traces of this direction (1) in the coronation of Joash (2 Chronicles 23:11, “they gave him the testimony;” (2) in the reign of Jehoshaphat, who had the Book of the Law taught to his people (2 Chronicles 17:9); and (3) in the delivery of the book when discovered in the Temple to Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:18), and in the effect of the perusal of it upon that king. But it is singular that we do not hear of the Book of the Law in connection with David and Solomon. Possibly, as David was a prophet himself, and not only a king, it may be thought unnecessary to make special mention of his study of the law. In many things he acted upon the direct commands of God to himself or to his seers. We must not forget that the true king of Israel is He whose special mission it was “to fulfil the law and the prophets.” “Lo, I come, in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:18

Verse 18. He shall write him a copy of this law] משנה התורה הזאת mishneh hattorah hazzoth, an iteration or duplicate of this law; translated by the Septuagint, τοδευτερονομιοντουτο this deuteronomy. From this version both the Vulgate Latin and all the modern versions have taken the name of this book; and from the original word the Jews call it Mishneh. See the preface to this book. Out of that which is before the priests the Levites] It is likely this means, that the copy which the king was to write out was to be taken from the autograph kept in the tabernacle before the Lord, from which, as a standard, every copy was taken and with which doubtless every copy was compared; and it is probable that the priests and Levites had the revising of every copy that was taken off, in order to prevent errors from creeping into the sacred text.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 17:18

18. a copy of this law] Lit. a duplicate of what was before, or in charge of, the priests (Deuteronomy 31:9; Deuteronomy 31:26). Here we have the beginning of that confidence in written revelation and the canon which brought so much good and evil to the religious life of Israel. On the mistranslation of this phrase by the LXX in the title they gave to the whole book see Introd. § 1.

Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 17:18

It is in striking consistency with the dignity which everywhere throughout the Mosaic legislation surrounds the chosen people of God, that even if they will be “like as all the nations about”

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:18

18. A copy of this law — Moses designs to provide for a holy king. The people might be like the nations around them in having a king, but the king was to be unlike the rulers of other nations.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 17:18

SermonDescription
Paul Washer Are You Ready for a Relationship? by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of media and video games on our perception of reality. He highlights how the constant bombardment of fantastical images and experie
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 1 Kings 9-16 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher discusses various biblical stories and teachings. He emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and following His word. The sermon includes th
Bill McLeod Personal Revival by Bill McLeod In this sermon, the speaker shares personal stories and experiences to illustrate the importance of acknowledging one's sins and seeking God's forgiveness. He recounts a childhood
Stan Ford Week of Meetings 1986-01 by Stan Ford In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fully committing to Christianity rather than being "almost" persuaded. He uses the example of a man who recognized the tru
Zac Poonen (Through the Bible) Deuteronomy by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the book of Deuteronomy, highlighting the repetition of God's laws and the importance of remembering His faithfulness. It emphasizes the need to look back a
Dick Woodward Old Testament Survey - Part 23 by Dick Woodward This sermon delves into the Book of Deuteronomy, focusing on Moses' sermons to the people of God before entering Canaan. It emphasizes responding to God's grace with obedience and
Glenn Meldrum Josiah's Reform by Glenn Meldrum In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Josiah and his role in bringing about a revival in Israel. The preacher emphasizes the importance of the Word of God and h
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