Deuteronomy 17:9 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 17:9 mean?

Deuteronomy 17:9 instructs people to go to the priests (who are Levites) and the judge of their time to ask for guidance, and these leaders will explain the decision or ruling in a matter of judgment. The verse sets up a process for resolving difficult questions by seeking answers from recognized spiritual and legal authorities.

In this passage, Moses is speaking to the Israelites about what to do when they face legal issues that are too hard to settle on their own. The verse describes a system where the community relies on both religious leaders (the priests, who are Levites) and a judge to interpret and apply the law. This process emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom from those entrusted with understanding and teaching the law.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 17:9

• The word for "enquire" is דָּרַשׁ (darash), which means to seek, investigate, or ask diligently. This highlights that the people are not just casually asking, but earnestly seeking a careful answer.
• The word for "sentence" is דָּבָר (davar), which often means "word" or "matter." Here, it refers to the specific decision or ruling in question, showing that the leaders are to give a clear and authoritative answer.
• The word for "judgment" is מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat), meaning a legal decision or verdict. This term points to a formal, binding ruling, not just advice or opinion.

Why Deuteronomy 17:9 matters

• Deuteronomy 17:9 clarifies that both religious and civil leaders played a role in guiding the community, not just one or the other.
• The verse shows that difficult cases were not left to personal opinion but were handled by those trained and appointed to interpret the law.
• This process of seeking judgment connects to the surrounding verses, which lay out a system for justice and order in Israel, showing that God values careful, communal decision-making.