“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: That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children,in the midst of Israel.”
Deuteronomy 17:19-20
Context of these verses: The Israelites wanted a king like all other people had back then. Even though their king was God himself, they wanted one they could SEE! God was willing to give them the desires of their hearts, so he was laying out some ground rules for the king HE would choose for them. One of these rules was that the king would keep a copy of the word of God with him at all times while he was on the throne. (Because the best way to run a country is by the Bible!) When reading verses 19-20 of chapter 17 in Deuteronomy, I realized just how many truths are contained therein! I want to break it down and share the blessings with you:
“And it shall be with him…”
The Bible SHALL be with us, it’s not going anywhere! Scripture tells us in 1 Peter 1:23 the word of God liveth and abideth forever. So thankful for the everlasting, ever-living word.
“…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…”
God’s desire for us is that we read the Bible daily. Daily Bible reading helps us learn to fear/trust/walk with the Lord. (The characteristics of a Christian life.) How shall we learn what God desires of us, if we never read his word?
“That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand or to the left…”
A steady diet of scripture keeps us humble, and our hearts right! When we compare ourselves to Christ, we will always be found lacking. Guidelines from God should give us something to work towards in our lifetime.
“…to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the midst of Israel.”
God will bless our lives when we recognize and live these truths from scripture. God always keeps his promises, and he always blesses righteousness.
