MORE POLITICAL WISDOM

In ancient Israel where the people were led by kings and queens, there was often a succession of family members to inherit the throne. It is a long sticky story to go through, but valuable for appropriate understanding of the Old Testament customs and history. While recently rereading some of this I came across this instruction for those who lead the nation:

Deuteronomy 17:14 starts by clearly saying the person on the throne must be an Israelite. Then he must not build a large stable or get their horses from Egypt (‘don’t go back there’) and must not take many wives for himself (they will turn his heart from the Lord) and must not accumulate large amounts of wealth. (17:16-17)

The part I did not remember was:
“When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel.” (17:18-20)

There were 42 kings and 1queen and I have no idea how many followed these instructions. Most scholars think it meant the person on the throne was to copy all five books of Moses: the Law. It is also clear from Biblical history that many who were on the throne were not lovers of God. But what if political leaders took seriously the Word of God… sorry; I must have dozed off over by the Pond.

“Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.” Jesus