What a King is to Do

"Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. It shall be with him and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left, so that he and his sons may continue long in his kingdom in the midst of Israel." -Deuteronomy 17.18-20

Moses continues with further instructions on what a king is to do. When he comes to power he is to write a copy of the law in the presence of the priests. He is to keep it with him and read it daily in order to learn to fear God and to carefully observe all of the law. The purpose is to keep him humble and committed to the service of his people. If this is what he does his line will continue to rule Israel.

A king is to personally write his own copy in the presence of the priests. He is to invest himself in this, and writing adds another learning aspect to aid in retention. It is to be done in the presence of the priests to insure accuracy and avoid corruption. But personally writing an accurate copy of the law isn't enough, he needs to read it daily. This cannot be overlooked. Every day we must be studying the laws of God and learning His statutes. This cannot be an occasional practice for leaders, but one the depend on daily. If they lose sight of God, they lose sight of the purpose for their rule, which is ultimately to point their people to Him.

A king who fears God knows that God has put him in a position of power and influence, and realizes that God can remove him. He knows that God is the highest King, and seeks to lead others to follow and serve Him. A king who seeks God, learns and lives by His statues, and serves his people, will have God's blessing on his reign.

Men, does your reign have God's blessing? Are you daily studying what God has said and learning to fear and follow Him? Do you write out accurately what God's law says? Are you humble, knowing that you only are where you are because God has brought you there?

The purpose of a king is to better the lives of the people he leads. Looking at history there are kings that start out with this mindset, but in failing to do this, lose focus and over time they become selfish and lazy. Other kings never have this mindset and couldn't care less about doing this.

Let us be kings who fear and follow God. Let us daily study His laws and statutes so that we may better live them. And as we do, may we point those we lead to follow God. That is what a king is to do.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor