That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.
DEUTERONOMY 17:20KJVWhat does Deuteronomy 17:20 mean?
Deuteronomy 17:20 instructs that a king of Israel should not become proud or consider himself above his fellow Israelites, and he must not turn away from God's commandments in any direction, so that he and his descendants may have a long and stable reign among the people of Israel. The verse emphasizes humility, obedience, and the well-being of both the king and his nation.
This verse is part of Moses' instructions to the Israelites about the future king, explaining the character and behavior expected of someone in that role. Moses warns that the king must remain humble ("his heart be not lifted up above his brethren") and strictly follow God's law, not deviating "to the right hand, or to the left." The promise attached is that such faithfulness will lead to a lasting dynasty in Israel.
The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 17:20
- "heart" (לֵבָב, levav): This word refers to the inner self or attitude. Here, it highlights that the king's pride or sense of superiority should not take root internally.
- "up" (רוּם, rum): This word means "to be high" or "exalted." The phrase "his heart be not lifted up" warns against arrogance or self-importance.
- "aside" (סוּר, sur): This verb means "to turn aside" or "depart." It stresses the importance of not straying from the commandments, even a little.
- "commandment" (מִצְוָה, mitzvah): This refers to God's instructions. The verse underscores that the king is under the same law as everyone else.
- "right hand" (יָמִין, yamin) and "left" (שְׂמֹאל, semol): These words are used metaphorically to mean any direction away from the correct path, stressing complete adherence.
Why Deuteronomy 17:20 matters
- Deuteronomy 17:20 clarifies that even the highest leader in Israel is not above God's law or the community, countering any idea that a king has absolute power.
- The verse ties the king's personal humility and obedience directly to the stability and longevity of his reign, showing a link between private character and public blessing.
- In the wider context, this verse is part of a set of instructions meant to prevent the abuses of power that were common in ancient monarchies, setting Israel's king apart from those of other nations.