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.

DEUTERONOMY 17:16KJV
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Deuteronomy 17:16 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 17:16 mean?

Deuteronomy 17:16 instructs that the king of Israel must not accumulate many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to get more horses, because God has commanded that the Israelites should never return that way again. This verse sets a clear boundary for the king’s behavior, warning against relying on military power or returning to old dependencies.

In this passage, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, giving them God’s guidelines for any future king. The verse highlights that the king should not seek military strength (horses) from Egypt, a place of former slavery, and should trust in God rather than political or military alliances. This command is part of a larger section about the responsibilities and limits of Israel’s future kings.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 17:16

  • "multiply" (רָבָה, ravah): This word means to increase or accumulate. Here, it warns the king against gathering excessive resources, specifically horses, which were symbols of military power.
  • "horses" (סוּס, sus): Horses were valuable for war chariots in the ancient world. The focus on horses points to the temptation for kings to trust in military might instead of God.
  • "return" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means to go back or turn back. The verse uses it to stress that the people should not go back to Egypt, physically or symbolically, for help or supplies.
  • "Egypt" (מִצְרַיִם, Mitzrayim): Egypt represents both the place of Israel’s past slavery and a powerful nation known for its horses. The warning is not just about geography but about avoiding dependence on former oppressors.

Why Deuteronomy 17:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel’s king is not to build his security on military strength or foreign alliances, especially with Egypt, which was a tempting source of horses and power.
  • The command not to return to Egypt reminds the people that God delivered them from slavery and does not want them to go back to old patterns of dependence or oppression.
  • Deuteronomy 17:16 fits into a larger section that limits royal power, showing that Israel’s king is meant to be different from other ancient rulers by trusting in God’s provision and guidance.

Where else these words appear

“horses” Hebrew H5483 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 47:17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
  • 2 Kings 18:23 Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.
  • Jeremiah 12:5 If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?