Research has shown how prone to bias and errors our courts have been in administering capitol punishment. The Bible is clear that capitol punishment requires irrefutable proof of guilt, since there is no opportunity to restore someone if they are exonerated after the sentence is carried out. This chapter and others indicate that there must be two or three witnesses to not only testify to having seen the accused commit the crime, but who are willing to have (quite literally) the person's blood on their own hands.
The chapter also gives the Israelites guidance for seeking God's wisdom in cases they are unable to decide and on having a king. Isn't it ironic that every warning given in this chapter about what a king must not do is ignored by Solomon, despite all his wisdom? I love that the king is instructed in verses 18 - 20: "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. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites and turn from the law to the right or to the left."
I have gained so much by carefully reading a chapter each day, praying to God for understanding, and meditating on what He reveals through His Word. Can you imagine how much more might be gained by painstakingly copying word for word every word of the Bible? (To be fair, for Solomon that would be primarily the Pentateuch.) He was to read it all the days of his life. What a great reminder to spend time in God's Word every single day!
One of the greatest blessings I've experienced on this chapter-a-day adventure is the consistency of devoting a portion of every day in Scripture, no matter how busy I am, how long the night before was, or how crazy the coming day is expected to be. I know plenty of people who spend time in the Word daily, and it has certainly been a routine of mine for many years. But often that time was spent reading through several chapters according to an arbitrary schedule in order to complete the whole Bible within a year. I highly recommend doing that -- it places the events within a context that is more clear because of it being read through quickly, as you would read a book for enjoyment or study. But I'm finding that this more leisurely pace allows for greater reflection and application, providing a different, yet equal, benefit.
The chapter also gives the Israelites guidance for seeking God's wisdom in cases they are unable to decide and on having a king. Isn't it ironic that every warning given in this chapter about what a king must not do is ignored by Solomon, despite all his wisdom? I love that the king is instructed in verses 18 - 20: "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. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites and turn from the law to the right or to the left."
I have gained so much by carefully reading a chapter each day, praying to God for understanding, and meditating on what He reveals through His Word. Can you imagine how much more might be gained by painstakingly copying word for word every word of the Bible? (To be fair, for Solomon that would be primarily the Pentateuch.) He was to read it all the days of his life. What a great reminder to spend time in God's Word every single day!
One of the greatest blessings I've experienced on this chapter-a-day adventure is the consistency of devoting a portion of every day in Scripture, no matter how busy I am, how long the night before was, or how crazy the coming day is expected to be. I know plenty of people who spend time in the Word daily, and it has certainly been a routine of mine for many years. But often that time was spent reading through several chapters according to an arbitrary schedule in order to complete the whole Bible within a year. I highly recommend doing that -- it places the events within a context that is more clear because of it being read through quickly, as you would read a book for enjoyment or study. But I'm finding that this more leisurely pace allows for greater reflection and application, providing a different, yet equal, benefit.
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