Understanding Deuteronomy 17:16

Deuteronomy 17:16 states:

“But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.”

Verse Overview

This verse instructs the future kings of Israel against the accumulation of horses, emphasizing reliance on God rather than military strength. It also warns against returning to Egypt, a symbol of bondage and worldly dependency.

Commentary Insights

Various public domain commentaries provide deeper insights into the meaning of this verse:

• Matthew Henry: Henry highlights that the accumulation of horses symbolizes a dependence on military power rather than trust in God. He explains that the command serves to guide the king toward humility and faith in the divine rather than exploiting worldly resources.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes elaborates on the historical context, reflecting on how horses were often a symbol of strength in ancient warfare. He asserts that the prohibition against multiplying horses includes urging the king not to return to Egypt, indicating a refusal to seek help from former oppressors.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke compares the king's responsibilities and duties, interpreting the divine warning as a safeguard against the pride and independence that could arise from military success. He emphasizes that leading the people backward to Egypt is a metaphor for spiritual regression.

Thematic Connections and Cross-References

Deuteronomy 17:16 connects to several other Biblical passages, highlighting themes of trust in God, leadership, and the dangers of returning to former ways:

• Exodus 14:13-14: This passage encourages reliance on God for deliverance, echoing the need to stop looking back to Egypt.
• 1 Samuel 8:11-18: Similar warnings about the dangers of monarchy and the potential for kings to lead the people astray are given in the context of Israel’s demand for a king.
• Psalms 20:7: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God," emphasizes dependence on God rather than worldly strength.
• Isaiah 31:1: A warning against seeking help from Egypt highlights the futility of relying on humans instead of divine guidance.
• Jeremiah 17:5-8: Discusses the consequences of trusting in man versus trusting in God, further illustrating the theme of reliance on divine support.
• Proverbs 21:31: "The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD," indicating that true safety comes from God.
• Romans 8:6: "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace," reminding believers of the importance of spiritual over worldly considerations.

Lessons for Today

The messages in Deuteronomy 17:16 resonate with contemporary lessons on leadership and trust:

• Trust in Divine Wisdom: Leaders are encouraged to rely on God's wisdom rather than accumulating worldly power.
• Avoiding Past Dependencies: The verse serves as a reminder not to return to former ways that led to spiritual bondage.
• Humility in Leadership: True leadership is characterized by humility and dependence on God.

Conclusion

Deuteronomy 17:16 provides a powerful call for leaders to rely on God's strength instead of human resources. As we cross-reference this verse with others, we see a consistent theme throughout the Bible that emphasizes dependence upon God for guidance and strength in all endeavors, far transcending mere political or military strategy.