Advice To The Politician

“Now it will be when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear Yahweh his God, to carefully observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left, so that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his sons in the midst of Israel.” Deuteronomy 17:18-20

The immediate context of this command is to Israel's leadership, that lays out to the governing authority, the foundation they are to rule from and obligation that person has to follow Yahweh's statutes. The people who hold such position must understand where their authority comes from, it is granted to them by God. They must stay within the scope of their God given authority.

Godly Rule

What Deuteronomy provides is the central bases of Truth that must guild all civil governments. Those people who hold office are not beyond or outside of the highest authority. Yahweh is God. He is the Creator and ruler of all peoples. Meaning, people in government are subject to and accountable to Him. Their rule is to be guided by Yahweh's Law and this occurs when they themselves "carefully observe all the words of this law and these statutes."

From these verses, the centrality of God's Law for those with governance responsibilities is immediately evident, "he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll." To apply the Law in any meaningful fashion requires one to know the Law and this begins by literally writing out a "copy of this Law." With pen and paper in hand, write a word for word a copy. A slow intentional process that requires the writer to focus on each word. This action engages the mind to aid in understanding - grasping the meaning and context. And, thus placing the Law into memory.

Word For Word

Matthew Henry writes, "Though he had secretaries about him whom he might employ to write this copy, and who perhaps could write a better hand than he, yet he must do it himself, with his own hand, for the honour of the law, and that he might think no act of religion below him, to inure himself to labour and study, and especially that he might thereby be obliged to take particular notice of every part of the law and by writing it might imprint it in his mind" (Matthew Henry Complete Commentary). "The process of writing is part of thinking through and formulating what you believe" (Reformed Systematic Theology). In this case, it is writing down word for word what governs the government individual.

Why was this person to preform this writing duty "in the presence of the Levitical priests"? Accuracy for sure. There is also a sense of instruction and mentoring. Perhaps the greater reason was for accountability. The priests are witness'. The presents of religious leaders from that day forward, will be a reminder to the King of his responsibility to the Law and to rule godly.

Government Pride

This Law clearly warns and forbids pride, and the hubris typical of those with authority. Every person in government is to "carefully observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers." In other words, they are not above the Law, nor are they to make themselves an exception, rather "these statutes" are to held close, so that "his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers."

Pride, hubris and arrogance in government leaders is a common sin. History since the time of Deuteronomy, has shown how haughtiness has lead to the failure and fall of many leaders, the destruction of governments and nations at the cost countless lives.

Lear To Fear

When the writing task was complete, was this end of the leader's duty? Was this document then, filed away in some cabinet or relegated to some bookshelf? Rather the Law "shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear Yahweh his God."

The Word of Yahweh is to be kept close, carried about in his back pocket (if you will), he was required to read it daily. Why? So he will not fail like so many government leaders before. Pride will fail to fear Yahweh his God. This places every position in government in its proper place. "Yahweh" is the God over government.

Advice to Politicians

What was true for the nation Israel, is true for the United States. Politician's who heed these words will do well. Yahweh provided these specific instructions to those who hold the highest government office. From the greater to the lessor, they must also be practiced by government administrators and department heads. Each individual person who exercises authority must submit to the highest authority. While remembering, they will be held accountable by Yahweh for their actions. People in government are there to serve Yahweh first.

Leaders, politicians and administrators, do you want to do well? Then do "not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left." Your actions, decisions and rule are to lead the people you govern to, not away from, God (Jonah 3:6). Write down the commandments, read them daily, run from pride and subject yourself to those who will hold you accountable, so that you "may learn to fear Yahweh" your God.

“So now, O kings, show insight; Take warning, O judges of the earth. Serve Yahweh with fear And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” Psalms 2:10-12