Deuteronomy 17:10-11
Then you shall do according to what they declare to you from that place that the LORD will choose. And you shall be careful to do according to all that they direct you. According to the instructions that they give you, and according to the decision which they pronounce to you, you shall do. You shall not turn aside from the verdict that they declare to you, either to the right hand or to the left.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This passage isn't just about obeying the instructions of religious leaders; it emphasizes the completeness of that obedience. Notice the phrase "according to all that they inform thee"—it's a powerful call to adhere to God's declared will without deviation, trusting that His appointed interpreters will guide you precisely. This underscores that true faithfulness involves an unwavering commitment to God's Word, not just when it's convenient, but in every detail.
This passage describes the final step in settling difficult legal disputes for the Israelites: obeying the judgment given by the priests and judges at the central sanctuary. After referring a case that’s too complex for local courts to this higher authority, the people are commanded to faithfully carry out the sentence they receive. This ensures uniformity and respect for God's law throughout the community, preventing unchecked chaos or rebellion.
Ever felt completely stuck, like there's no right answer? Israel faced this too, but God provided a clear pathway.
Moses lays out a crucial system for the Israelites: when a legal case or controversy becomes too complex for local judges ('within thy gates'), it's not a dead end.
The Escalation Principle
The instruction is clear: 'then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place that the LORD your God shall choose.' This points to a central place of authority – initially the tabernacle and later the temple in Jerusalem. Difficult matters were to be elevated, not ignored.
God's Design for Certainty
This wasn't about finding a solution, but the right solution, rooted in God's law. The aim was to bring certainty and ensure justice according to God's will, preventing endless disputes and confusion.
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God didn't just create a system; He demanded obedience to it. What does radical submission look like?
The core of this passage isn't just about where to go for answers, but how to receive them. The people were commanded: 'And thou shalt do according to the sentence, which they of that place which the LORD shall choose shall shew thee; and thou shalt observe to do according to all that they inform thee.'
The Authority of God's Word Interpreters
Those appointed at the central sanctuary (priests, Levites, and judges) were God's designated interpreters of His law. Their pronouncements on difficult matters carried divine weight. This wasn't about blindly following men, but about obeying God through His appointed authorities.
Unwavering Adherence
The directive 'you shall be careful to do according to all that they direct you' leaves no room for negotiation or personal preference. It demands full compliance, emphasizing that adherence to God's revealed will, as interpreted by His chosen leaders, was paramount for the community's faithfulness and stability.
Understand the original words
yārâ · Hebrew Verb
An instruction, command, or authoritative guidance given by a leader or priest, which is to be obeyed as the expression of God's will.
torah · Hebrew Noun
Divine instruction, teaching, or law revealed by God to His people. It encompasses both legal requirements and the broader framework of God's expectations for covenant living.
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
A formal decision, judgment, or ruling, often implying the application of divine law to specific cases or conflicts.
This passage echoes the spirit of Deuteronomy 17:10 by instructing Levites and priests to teach God's law faithfully, ensuring that judgments align with divine statutes and preventing disputes from leading people astray.
Matthew 23:2-3Jesus acknowledges the authority of the scribes and Pharisees, who sat in Moses' seat, telling His followers to 'do and observe whatever they tell you.' This highlights a continuity of listening to appointed interpreters of God's law, even when the interpreters themselves are flawed.
Hebrews 13:17This New Testament verse speaks about obeying spiritual leaders who 'keep watch over your souls' and submitting to them, reflecting the principle in Deuteronomy 17:10 of heeding the counsel of those appointed to guide and interpret.
1 Corinthians 14:33The Apostle Paul states that 'God is not a God of confusion but of peace' within the church. This principle underpins the need for clear, authoritative interpretation of God's word as established in Deuteronomy 17, ensuring order and understanding.
calvinDeuteronomy 17:8-11: "If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;"
- If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou aris…
bensonDeuteronomy 17:10: "And thou shalt do according to the sentence, which they of that place which the LORD shall choose shall shew thee; and thou shalt observe to do according to all that they inform thee:"
Deuteronomy 17:10-12 . Thou shalt do according to the sentence — He speaks, 1st, To the inferior magistrates, who, in the suits here referred to between man and man, were to give sentence in their lower courts, according to the decision of the great council, or of the supreme judge, and were t…
This passage isn't just about obeying the instructions of religious leaders; it emphasizes the completeness of that obedience. Notice the phrase "according to all that they inform thee"—it's a powerful call to adhere to God's declared will without deviation, trusting that His appointed interpreters will guide you precisely. This underscores that true faithfulness involves an unwavering commitment to God's Word, not just when it's convenient, but in every detail.
This passage describes the final step in settling difficult legal disputes for the Israelites: obeying the judgment given by the priests and judges at the central sanctuary. After referring a case that’s too complex for local courts to this higher authority, the people are commanded to faithfully carry out the sentence they receive. This ensures uniformity and respect for God's law throughout the community, preventing unchecked chaos or rebellion.
This passage describes the final step in settling difficult legal disputes for the Israelites: obeying the judgment given by the priests and judges at the central sanctuary. After referring a case that’s too complex for local courts to this higher authority, the people are commanded to faithfully carry out the sentence they receive. This ensures uniformity and respect for God's law throughout the community, preventing unchecked chaos or rebellion.
"Then you shall do according to what they declare to you from that place that the LORD will choose. And you shall be careful to do according to all that they direct you. According to the instructions that they give you, and according to the…" — This passage isn't just about obeying the instructions of religious leaders; it emphasizes the completeness of that obedience. Notice the phrase "according to all that they inform thee"—it's a po…
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