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instructions for a future king

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 (JDV)

Deuteronomy 17:18 When he is seated on his royal throne, he is to write a copy of this instruction for himself on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.
Deuteronomy 17:19 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 Yahveh his God, to observe all the words of this instruction, and to do these prescriptions.
Deuteronomy 17:20 Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, he will not turn from this command to the right or the left, and he and his sons will continue reigning many years in Israel.

instructions for a future king

I want you to notice something about what Moses is saying here. He is telling us something about the purpose for all of the books he wrote. The Torah was designed to instruct a future king on how to live in humble obedience to God and his will. The promise of the Torah is that the king who keeps a copy of this Torah and obeys it will have a long lasting dynasty in Israel. His scroll is to be maintained — and it is assumed explained — by the king’s own staff of Levitical priests.

This passage helps us understand the content of Moses’ books. They contain history, but they are intended to do more than teach history. Moses — who grew up in Pharaoh’s household — wanted his words to help future kings succeed where Pharaoh failed.

King Jesus succeeded where all the kings of Israel and Judah failed. He walked with God and obeyed the instruction of the Torah, and fulfilled its prophecies.

Thank you, Lord, for the king who stayed true to your instruction.