FORBIDDEN PRACTICES. Deuteronomy 17 Maintaining law and order as a nation depends not only on having clear laws but also on enforcing them in a way that benefits the most people. In Moses' final instructions, he again emphasized how serious it is to take God's commands lightly. “Transgressing” means “crossing over.” In Hebrew, it is the word for crossing a stream or boundary. In scriptural uses of the word “transgress,” it refers to crossing the boundaries God has set for His people, especially when there are written words that clearly state God’s law and will.
Whether it involves the people's religious life, their daily work in labor and business, or their leadership role, God gave clear instructions. People need to understand that among God's people, His honor and name are reflected in everything we do. His honor and His will take precedence over every activity we undertake. Some Israelites may have already been bringing second-rate leftovers from their flocks and herds for sacrifices, thinking it wouldn't matter to God. That practice needed to be stopped. Imperfect sacrifices showed what the people bringing them thought about God and His provision for their acceptance.
The attitude we display when we worship, praise God, and read the Bible reflects how we feel about God. Indifference, carelessness, and dishonor toward holy things do not go unnoticed by God, nor are they unnoticed by those who listen to and observe us. My family will understand what the things of God and God Himself mean to me through my tone of voice, how I handle and read the scriptures, and how I respond to divine matters compared to the other things happening in my life.
Idolatry broke God’s covenant with the Israelites and posed a threat to the entire nation. If it was allowed to continue unchecked, it would undermine their commitment to the Lord. As a result, the entire community of Israelites was involved in executing an idolater. This way, the offender was removed from society, and others watching would become afraid.
Wrong must be judged. The idolater in Israel had to be stopped. If a person was seen obeying idols, that person was to be dealt with by the full extent of the law. Tolerance of evil by most people today would lead them to say that God is very unfair in not accepting anyone's religion, no matter what it is. Allegiance to idols is to give that idol the place of preeminence and authority in one's life. The only way it was to be dealt with was to permanently remove the person who had turned to idols from among God's people. If he or she were allowed to continue in idolatrous practices, it would infect others around them with the same spiritual disease.
Children may follow their parents, and friends of the children might follow them. The parents of the children who follow the children who follow the parents could be influenced by them, and it is the fault of those who did not carry out the discipline God intended. Soon, the deadly spiritual infection spread through the entire group or nation, like Israel. God insisted it be dealt with by death for the offending idol worshipper.
To “enquire diligently” [v.4-6] means investigating rather than gossiping is the proper way to find out the truth. When an accusation is made, the person who makes the accusation is the first one who must carry out judgment – “let him cast the first stone.” If someone asks for judgment on a matter and then refuses to follow or accept the verdict, that is just a way to avoid responsibility. Asking others to decide and then willfully ignoring that decision is to “do presumptuously” or show contempt for the judge. It is our duty to respond to and obey the judgment made. In Israel, it was a capital crime not to abide by the judges' sentences.
When justice is to be served, there are multiple purposes behind it. The offender must be punished. Spectators of the punishment are warned about what will happen to them if they commit the same act. Those who witnessed the offense must follow through with what they started. Witnesses need to take responsibility for their accusations. This helps prevent vindictive claims without real evidence. Furthermore, more than one witness is necessary to protect the rights of the accused. Generally, more than one witness is required in any case, and the consequences should be severe enough to achieve the intended result.
There are specific disciplinary responses outlined in the New Testament to address when someone has sinned. The action taken should match the severity of the sin committed. From a word of correction given by spiritual leaders to remove someone from God's people, the goal of discipline is to alter the person's behavior from wrong to right. Witnesses must be able to identify the issue, supported by two or three others who have observed the wrongful behavior of the accused. The way judgment is carried out must align with what scripture instructs. It must also align with the purpose of discipline. Misusing disciplinary authority for the wrong reasons can occur. When that happens, it worsens the problem instead of resolving it.
In daily life, there are issues that exceed our ability to handle alone. Wise advice from spiritual leaders (such as priests in Israel) and experienced individuals (like judges in Israel) is essential for making correct decisions. Even in such cases, as with accusations of sin, consulting two or three advisors ensures that "in the multitude of counselors," wise and safe decisions are made. Spontaneous responses often obscure rather than clarify the real issues involved. A certain strength of wisdom comes from those who have lived spiritually and personally for a long time. When they seek counsel together, they can offer a solution to a dilemma that benefits those seeking their guidance.
It was God’s intention in Israel that the priests who made judgments should consider the spiritual consequences of a matter, as well as the moral and physical aspects of a case brought before them. Regardless of their station in life, everyone was to submit to those who were God’s chosen representatives. The Lord God did not intend for Israel to have a king; He was their King. But He, who knows the future, understood there would come a time when Israel would want a king.
To make it clear to them, He would select the king; the laws about kingship and the leadership of a king had already been given. Who should be king, what he should not do, and what he should do were clearly outlined so there would be no misunderstanding of God's expectations for leaders. They were not to overburden the people with taxes so he could amass wealth and maintain a lavish lifestyle. God wanted a king to be a just and fair leader who lived modestly among the people and could guide and serve them under God's guidance. He was not only moderate in his lifestyle but also in his personal life. The position of leadership is easily abused so that a leader can satisfy personal desires for pleasure at the expense of those he is supposed to serve and lead.
Despite his wisdom, Solomon failed in the basics of kingship. He knew how to judge others, but he didn't know how to judge himself. Even if he was aware of that—since he could write Proverbs and Ecclesiastes—he still didn't act on what he knew. He gathered many women around him and was led astray, despite the warnings given by God's Word. The large amounts of gold he accumulated also went against what God commanded. It’s possible for anyone, leader or not, to know what is right and still choose what is wrong. Usually, some excuse is made for wrong behavior, but that doesn’t change the fact that wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or what it is.
God instructed His people in the past and intends for leaders today to be men who are knowledgeable about the word of God. They need to understand it, interpret it correctly, and know how to apply it in various situations. The practice taught by Moses to those who would become kings is a good example for leaders today to follow. The king was required to personally write out the words of the law. This helped engage most of his senses to embed the truth into his mind and heart. Additionally, the king had to keep a copy with him so he could refer to it when making decisions on the spot. He also needed to read it daily, so he remained aware of its impact on himself and could lead by example for the people he judged to obey it. /