Reading 29 | The Bible in 100 Passages

Sunday, October 12, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Deuteronomy 17:14–20        

When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, “I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are around me,” you may indeed set over you a king whom the Lord your God will choose. One of your own community you may set as king over you; you are not permitted to put a foreigner over you, who is not of your own community. Even so, he must not acquire many horses for himself, or return the people to Egypt in order to acquire more horses, since the Lord has said to you, “You must never return that way again.” And he must not acquire many wives for himself, or else his heart will turn away; also silver and gold he must not acquire in great quantity for himself. 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. It shall remain with him and he shall read in it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, diligently observing all the words of this law and these statutes, neither exalting himself above other members of the community nor turning aside from the commandment, either to the right or to the left, so that he and his descendants may reign long over his kingdom in Israel. (NRSV)

Reflection

I am fascinated by stories of European royalty. Give me a hefty biography of Henry VIII, a Masterpiece Theatre retelling of the rise and fall of his advisor Thomas Cromwell, or even a pop rock musical starring all six of his wives (heads intact, of course), and I am in heaven.

I sympathize with the Israelites’ desire for a king — there’s something appealing about having a strongman in charge. Now that they’ve come into their land, they want to keep up with the Babylonians, and they seek a monarch every bit as powerful as their neighbors’ rulers. But God knows that earthly kings aren’t everything they’re cracked up to be — they give the people a false sense of security and are likely to abuse their power. Like the books I devour, the stories of biblical rulers are cautionary tales.

The only way for the king to be a decent leader was to follow God’s law, reading it in the presence of the priests (who, we assume, would hold him accountable). He had to limit himself and his acquisitions, choosing not to place himself above others in the community. It’s tough — but necessary — guidance for those in power, and human leaders don’t always follow it. So, rather than look to the examples of earthly leaders, Christians are called to follow the example of Jesus, our servant leader. And we seek leaders who wish to lead in Jesus’ way and who are willing to be held accountable to other governing bodies. It’s not easy, but history reminds us that it’s the only way.

Prayer

Holy God, you are the only Ruler we need! Remind us to trust you and to be servant leaders in the tradition of Jesus. Amen.

Written by Amy Pagliarella, Parish Associate

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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