Bible Verse: Deuteronomy 17:17 - "Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold."
Summary and Interpretation
Deuteronomy 17:17 addresses the regulations concerning kings in Israel and their conduct, particularly regarding wealth and relationships. The verse outlines the moral and spiritual implications of a king accumulating multiple wives and excessive wealth, warning against their potential to lead him astray from his responsibilities to God and the people.
Insights from Public Domain Commentaries
- Matthew Henry:
Henry emphasizes the danger of a king's heart being turned away from God due to pleasures and distractions that come with having many wives and treasures. He warns that such multiplicity can divert a ruler’s focus from righteous governance and spiritual fidelity.
- Albert Barnes:
Barnes notes that the prohibition is aimed at ensuring that the king remains steadfast in his allegiance to God. By limiting the numbers of wives and wealth, the text seeks to promote a singular devotion to God's commandments and avoid the pitfalls of idolatry and moral decay.
- Adam Clarke:
Clarke elaborates on the practical implications of this command, suggesting that a king should lead by example in simplicity and service to God. He highlights that a ruler's failure to heed this advice could lead to societal corruption and a loss of divine favor upon the nation.
Connections to Other Bible Verses
This verse can be enriched by examining cross-references that share similar themes regarding leadership, morality, and divine expectations. Below are relevant scripture connections that provide deeper understanding:
- 1 Kings 10:14-15: Discusses the wealth accumulated by King Solomon, illustrating the consequences of ignoring God's warnings.
- 1 Kings 11:1-4: Highlights Solomon's many wives leading him to idolatry, serving as a direct example of the warning in Deuteronomy 17:17.
- Proverbs 31:4-5: Advises rulers to focus on justice and righteousness, paralleling the moral obligations highlighted in Deuteronomy.
- James 1:14-15: Describes how desires can lead to sin, echoing the principle that excess and distraction can lead one away from God.
- Psalm 119:36-37: A plea for God to incline the heart towards His testimonies rather than covetousness, reinforcing the importance of spiritual focus.
- Ecclesiastes 5:10: Explores the futility of wealth, aligning with the theme of moderation found in Deuteronomy.
- 1 Timothy 3:2-3: Offers qualifications for church leaders, emphasizing the importance of moral integrity similar to the expectations set for kings.
- Matthew 6:19-21: Jesus' teaching on storing treasures in heaven rather than Earth connects to the concept of prioritizing godliness over materialism.
- Philippians 3:19: A warning against those whose focus is on earthly things, resonating with the admonition to avoid excess wealth.
- Hosea 8:4: Discusses unrecognized kings and their failures, pointing to the importance of following God's guidelines for leadership.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 17:17 serves as a significant directive concerning the rulers of Israel, highlighting the importance of fidelity to God, moderation in personal affairs, and responsible leadership. The connections between this passage and other scriptures create a robust framework for understanding biblical principles of governance, morality, and the dangers posed by excessive desires.
Related Cross-Referencing Resources
- Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing
- Bible Concordance
- Bible Cross-Reference Guide
- Cross-Reference Bible Study
- How to Use Bible Cross-References
- Bible Cross-Reference System
- Cross-Referencing Bible Study Methods
- Bible Reference Resources
- Bible Chain References
- Comprehensive Bible Cross-Reference Materials
