Bible Reading Blog
“The Only Proper Framework”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 17
“… [the king] he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.’ And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold.” (Deuteronomy 17.16-17)
“And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen. He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem… and Solomon’s import of horses was from Egypt… Now King Solomon loved many foreign women… from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love.” (1 Kings 10. 26, 28; 11.1-2)
As clear as God was, people still did what they wanted. I’m sure they thought, “what will it hurt?” or “surely this isn’t that serious”. This was especially significant for a king who was supposed to write a copy of the law for himself (Deuteronomy 17.18-20). The king wasn’t just supposed to be a leader for the people; he was to embody the law and let it lead through him. But more often than not, the king did precisely what God told them not to do, leading the people farther from God and his covenant.
Israel’s degeneration was slow but deliberate. It is sad that God would be so explicit and yet his own people would explicitly do the very things he condemned. One could cite the passing of time or the lack of present demonstrations of God’s as a reason for their regression; but as Exodus demonstrates those factors make little difference. The problem was a fundamental choice in the hearts of these people to not fear God. They were ruled by their wants, passions and pride, and so refused to believe God’s words.
God’s people must appreciate and live by God’s words. They not only prove true (Proverbs 30.5) but give us insight and context far beyond our experience. Natural wisdom rejects this notion. Even God’s people can become convinced that what we see, know and understand is the highest form of reality. But we must appreciate that God’s words are not altered by circumstances but rather create the only proper framework for understanding life’s events. When they are rejected, there is nothing but frustration, failure and condemnation.
We are not unique in history. Our life circumstances aren’t the exception to the rule. God’s wisdom is not outdated. Modern intelligence doesn’t have better insight than those of the past. Only God’s perfect understanding will cut through the clutter and give us true direction and life. We must seek his wisdom, adhere to his patterns and observe his warnings as a top priority. It is a matter of life and death. The fear of God is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1.7). So fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole of our existence (Ecclesiastes 12.13).
“Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4.4; cf. Deuteronomy 8.3)
“It is not the old who are wise nor the aged who understand what is right… the breath of the Almighty; that makes him understand.” (Job 32.8-9)
