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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 17:18 When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/17-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/05_Deu_17_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 17:18 - Guidelines for a King" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the 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frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-17.htm" title="Deuteronomy 17:17">◄</a> Deuteronomy 17:18 <a href="/deuteronomy/17-19.htm" title="Deuteronomy 17:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/17.htm">New International Version</a> When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the Levitical priests. <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/17.htm">New Living Translation</a> “When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/17.htm">English Standard Version</a> “And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. <a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/17.htm">King James Bible</a> And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: <a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/17.htm">New King James Version</a> “Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. <a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Now it shall come about, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this Law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/17.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. <a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. <a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Now it will be when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. <a href="/amp/deuteronomy/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. <a href="/csb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When he is seated on his royal throne, he is to write a copy of this instruction for himself on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. <a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When he is seated on his royal throne, he is to write a copy of this instruction for himself on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. <a href="/asv/deuteronomy/17.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the priests the Levites: <a href="/cev/deuteronomy/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The official copy of God's laws will be kept by the priests of the Levi tribe. So, as soon as anyone becomes king, he must go to the priests and write out a copy of these laws while they watch. <a href="/erv/deuteronomy/17.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the priests the Levites: <a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When he becomes king, he should have the Levitical priests make him a copy of these teachings on a scroll. <a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Good News Translation</a> When he becomes king, he is to have a copy of the book of God's laws and teachings made from the original copy kept by the levitical priests. <a href="/isv/deuteronomy/17.htm">International Standard Version</a> When he occupies his royal throne, he must make a copy of this Law for himself from a scroll used by the Levitical priests. <a href="/msb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. <a href="/net/deuteronomy/17.htm">NET Bible</a> When he sits on his royal throne he must make a copy of this law on a scroll given to him by the Levitical priests. <a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law on a scroll, out of that which is before the priests the Levites: <a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it shall be when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites. <a href="/web/deuteronomy/17.htm">World English Bible</a> It shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write himself a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the Levitical priests. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it has been, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he has written a copy of this law for himself, on a scroll, from [that] before the priests, the Levites, <a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it hath been, when he sitteth on the throne of his kingdom, that he hath written for himself the copy of this law, on a book, from that before the priests the Levites, <a href="/slt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it was when he sits upon the throne of his kingdom and he wrote for him this second law upon a book, from before the priests, the Levites.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But after he is raised to the throne of his kingdom, he shall copy out to himself the Deuteronomy of this law in a volume, taking the copy of the priests of the Levitical tribe, <a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then, after he has been seated upon the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself the Deuteronomy of this law in a volume, using a copy from the priests of the Levitical tribe. <a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/17.htm">New American Bible</a> When he is sitting upon his royal throne, he shall write a copy of this law upon a scroll from the one that is in the custody of the levitical priests. <a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When he has taken the throne of his kingdom, he shall have a copy of this law written for him in the presence of the levitical priests.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And when he sits upon the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests and the Levites; <a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write himself a copy of this written Law in a book from before the Priest and the Levites:<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the priests the Levites. <a href="/sep/deuteronomy/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And when he shall be established in his government, then shall he write for himself this repetition of the law into a book by the hands of the priests the Levites; <a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=5007" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Guidelines for a King</a> …17He must not take many wives for himself, lest his heart go astray. He must not accumulate for himself large amounts of silver and gold. 18<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: ḵə·šiḇ·tōw (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">When he is seated</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/4467.htm" title="4467: mam·laḵ·tōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign. From malak; dominion, i.e. the estate or the country.">his royal</a> <a href="/hebrew/3678.htm" title="3678: kis·sê (N-msc) -- Seat of honor, throne. Or kicceh; from kacah; properly, covered, i.e. A throne.">throne,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3789.htm" title="3789: wə·ḵā·ṯaḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To write. A primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write.">he must write</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">for himself</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4932.htm" title="4932: miš·nêh (N-msc) -- A double, copy, second. From shanah; properly, a repetition, i.e. A duplicate, or a double; by implication, a second.">a copy</a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: haz·zōṯ (Art:: Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">of this</a> <a href="/hebrew/8451.htm" title="8451: hat·tō·w·rāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Direction, instruction, law. Or torah; from yarah; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch.">instruction</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/5612.htm" title="5612: sê·p̄er (N-ms) -- A missive, document, writing, book. Or ciphrah; from caphar; properly, writing; by implication, a book.">a scroll</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mil·lip̄·nê (Prep-m, Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">in the presence</a> <a href="/hebrew/3881.htm" title="3881: hal·wî·yim (Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Desc. of Levi. Or Leviy; patronymically from Leviy; a Levite or descendant of Levi.">of the Levitical</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: hak·kō·hă·nîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">priests.</a> 19It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this instruction and these statutes.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_kings/11-12.htm">2 Kings 11:12</a> Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and declared, “Long live the king!” <a href="/2_chronicles/23-11.htm">2 Chronicles 23:11</a> Then Jehoiada and his sons brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him and shouted, “Long live the king!” <a href="/joshua/1-8.htm">Joshua 1:8</a> This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. <a href="/psalms/1-2.htm">Psalm 1:2</a> But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. <a href="/proverbs/25-2.htm">Proverbs 25:2</a> It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out. <a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a> All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. <a href="/psalms/119-97.htm">Psalm 119:97</a> Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation. <a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a> Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. <a href="/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Nehemiah 8:8</a> So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read. <a href="/1_kings/2-3.htm">1 Kings 2:3</a> And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn, <a href="/2_chronicles/34-14.htm">2 Chronicles 34:14-15</a> While they were bringing out the money that had been taken into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD given by Moses. / And Hilkiah said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD!” And he gave it to Shaphan. <a href="/matthew/4-4.htm">Matthew 4:4</a> But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” <a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a> For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a> For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. <a href="/james/1-25.htm">James 1:25</a> But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:that he shall<a href="/2_kings/11-12.htm">2 Kings 11:12</a> And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.a copy.out of that which<a href="/deuteronomy/31-9.htm">Deuteronomy 31:9,25,26</a> And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel… <a href="/2_kings/22-8.htm">2 Kings 22:8</a> And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.<a href="/2_chronicles/34-15.htm">2 Chronicles 34:15</a> And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/21-14.htm">Book</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-4.htm">Care</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-1.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-24.htm">Copy</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-13.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-11.htm">Law</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-20.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-9.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/numbers/5-23.htm">Scroll</a> <a href="/numbers/21-15.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-26.htm">Sits</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-26.htm">Sitteth</a> <a href="/exodus/17-16.htm">Throne</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-20.htm">Write</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-20.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/28-58.htm">Book</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-18.htm">Care</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-8.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/joshua/8-32.htm">Copy</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-1.htm">Law</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-7.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-1.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/joshua/18-9.htm">Scroll</a> <a href="/judges/3-20.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-4.htm">Sits</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-4.htm">Sitteth</a> <a href="/judges/3-20.htm">Throne</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-1.htm">Write</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-3.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 17</div>1. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-1.htm">The things sacrificed must be sound</a> 2. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-2.htm">Idolaters must be slain</a> 8. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-8.htm">Hard controversies are to be determined by the priests and judges</a> 12. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-12.htm">The one who shows contempt for the judge must die</a> 14. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-14.htm">The election</a> 16. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-16.htm">and duty of a king</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>When he is seated on his royal throne This phrase refers to the king of Israel, highlighting the moment when he assumes his official position of authority. The royal throne symbolizes the king's role as the leader of God's chosen people. In the historical context, Israel was unique among ancient nations in that their king was expected to rule under God's authority, not as an autonomous ruler. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israel's governance, where God was the ultimate king. The throne also foreshadows the eternal kingship of Jesus Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God (<a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm">Hebrews 1:3</a>).he must write for himself a copy of this instruction The king was required to personally transcribe the law, emphasizing the importance of God's Word in guiding his reign. This act was meant to ensure that the king was intimately familiar with the law, promoting humility and obedience. The instruction refers to the Torah, particularly the book of Deuteronomy, which contains the covenantal laws given to Israel. This practice underscores the principle that leaders are not above the law but are subject to it, a concept that is echoed in the New Testament where Jesus fulfills the law (<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a>).on a scroll The use of a scroll indicates the ancient method of recording and preserving important texts. Scrolls were made from papyrus or parchment and were the primary means of documentation in the ancient Near East. This method of writing was labor-intensive, which further underscores the seriousness of the king's task. The scroll as a medium also connects to the prophetic imagery in Revelation, where scrolls are used to convey divine revelation (<a href="/revelation/5.htm">Revelation 5:1</a>).in the presence of the Levitical priests The involvement of the Levitical priests highlights the religious and ceremonial aspect of this task. The priests served as custodians of the law and were responsible for teaching it to the people (<a href="/leviticus/10-11.htm">Leviticus 10:11</a>). Their presence ensured the accuracy and authenticity of the transcription, reinforcing the sacredness of the law. This requirement also points to the role of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people, a role ultimately fulfilled by Jesus Christ, our high priest (<a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Hebrews 4:14-16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_king_of_israel.htm">The King of Israel</a> The verse refers to the king who would rule over Israel. This instruction was given to ensure that the king would be guided by God's laws. 2. <a href="/topical/l/levitical_priests.htm">Levitical Priests</a> These were members of the tribe of Levi, responsible for religious duties and ensuring the king's copy of the law was accurate and complete. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_royal_throne.htm">The Royal Throne</a> Symbolizes the authority and responsibility of the king, emphasizing the need for his rule to be grounded in God's law. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law (Torah)</a> Refers to the instructions and commandments given by God, which the king was to transcribe and follow. 5. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The author of Deuteronomy, who conveyed God's laws and instructions to the Israelites, including this directive for future kings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_god's_word.htm">The Importance of God's Word</a> The king's duty to write the law underscores the necessity of personal engagement with Scripture. As believers, we should prioritize reading and understanding God's word. <a href="/topical/a/accountability_and_guidance.htm">Accountability and Guidance</a> The presence of the Levitical priests during the transcription process highlights the need for accountability in our spiritual journey. We should seek guidance and accountability from fellow believers. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a> Just as the king was to lead by God's law, Christian leaders today are called to lead with integrity and according to biblical principles. <a href="/topical/i/internalization_of_scripture.htm">Internalization of Scripture</a> The act of writing the law was meant to help the king internalize it. We should strive to internalize Scripture through memorization and meditation. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_scripture_in_decision-making.htm">The Role of Scripture in Decision-Making</a> The king's decisions were to be informed by God's law. Similarly, we should allow Scripture to guide our choices and actions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 17</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_vocational_ministry.htm">What defines vocational ministry?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_god_view_acts_of_injustice.htm">How does God view acts of injustice?</a> <a href="/q/do_lost_scriptures_in_2_kings_22_contradict_preservation_claims.htm">Does the sudden discovery of lost scriptures in 2 Kings 22:8–13 contradict earlier biblical claims that the Law was carefully preserved? </a> <a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_8_2-4_conflict_with_israelite_history.htm">Could the portrayal of authority and submission in Ecclesiastes 8:2–4 be at odds with historical records of Israelite governance, suggesting a possible later editorial influence?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) He shall write him a copy of this law.--This phrase is the source of the Greek title of the book, Deuteronomion, or in English, Deuteronomy. The word appears also in <a href="/joshua/8-32.htm" title="And he wrote there on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel.">Joshua 8:32</a>. The English conveys the right sense of the word, which primarily denotes repetition. In Hebrew it is Mishneh, the name afterwards given to the "text" of the Talmud, of which the idea is to repeat the law; though it is a somewhat peculiar repetition, in which minuti? are chiefly dealt with, and weightier matters left out.There are traces of this direction (1) in the coronation of Joash (<a href="/2_chronicles/23-11.htm" title="Then they brought out the king's son, and put on him the crown, and gave him the testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, God save the king.">2Chronicles 23:11</a>, "they gave him the testimony;" (2) in the reign of Jehoshaphat, who had the Book of the Law taught to his people (<a href="/2_chronicles/17-9.htm" title="And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.">2Chronicles 17:9</a>); and (3) in the delivery of the book when discovered in the Temple to Josiah (<a href="/2_chronicles/34-18.htm" title="Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest has given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.">2Chronicles 34:18</a>), and in the effect of the perusal of it upon that king. But it is singular that we do not hear of the Book of the Law in connection with David and Solomon. Possibly, as David was a prophet himself, and not only a king, it may be thought unnecessary to make special mention of his study of the law. In many things he acted upon the direct commands of God to himself or to his seers.We must not forget that the true king of Israel is He whose special mission it was "to fulfil the law and the prophets." "Lo, I come, in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - A copy of this law; literally, a double of this Law, i.e. not, as the LXX. have it, "This reiteration of the Law" (τὸ δευτερονόμιον τοῦτο), but a duplicate or copy of the Pentateuchal Law. The Jews understand by "double" that two copies of the Law were to be made by the king (Maimon., ' De Regibus,' e. 3. § 1); but this is unnecessary: every copy of a law is a double of it. Oat of that which is before the priests. The priests were the custodians of the written Law (<a href="/deuteronomy/31-26.htm">Deuteronomy 31:26</a>); and from the text of their codex was the king's copy to be written. <a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When he is seated כְשִׁבְתּ֔וֹ (ḵə·šiḇ·tōw) Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry on עַ֖ל (‘al) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against his royal מַמְלַכְתּ֑וֹ (mam·laḵ·tōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4467.htm">Strong's 4467: </a> Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign throne, כִּסֵּ֣א (kis·sê) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3678.htm">Strong's 3678: </a> Seat of honor, throne he must write וְכָ֨תַב (wə·ḵā·ṯaḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3789.htm">Strong's 3789: </a> To grave, to write for himself אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Direct object marker <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case a copy מִשְׁנֵ֨ה (miš·nêh) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4932.htm">Strong's 4932: </a> A repetition, a duplicate, a double, a second of this הַזֹּאת֙ (haz·zōṯ) Article | Pronoun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, instruction הַתּוֹרָ֤ה (hat·tō·w·rāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8451.htm">Strong's 8451: </a> Direction, instruction, law on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against a scroll סֵ֔פֶר (sê·p̄er) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5612.htm">Strong's 5612: </a> A missive, document, writing, book in the presence מִלִּפְנֵ֥י (mil·lip̄·nê) Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face of the Levitical הַלְוִיִּֽם׃ (hal·wî·yim) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3881.htm">Strong's 3881: </a> Levites -- descendant of Levi priests. הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> Priest <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Deuteronomy 17:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Deuteronomy 17:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Deuteronomy 17:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Deuteronomy 17:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Deuteronomy 17:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Deuteronomy 17:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Deuteronomy 17:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Deuteronomy 17:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Deuteronomy 17:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Deuteronomy 17:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 17:18 It shall be when he sits (Deut. 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