John Calvin Commentary Deuteronomy 17:18

"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:" — Deuteronomy 17:18 (ASV)

And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne. It would not be enough to correct their errors unless kings were also instructed in the fear of God and properly taught their duty. Therefore, a system of discipline is now added, by which it was profitable for them to be grounded in the study of religion and justice, namely, that they should take the Law from the priests and Levites, which was to be the rule of all their actions.

Because the demonstrative pronoun is used,⁷³ some think that only the book of Deuteronomy is referred to, but without good reason. I have no doubt that the whole sum of doctrine is included, which is delivered both here and in Exodus and Leviticus.

But although it was to be common to all without exception, yet so that kings might be more assiduously attentive in reading it, God would have a copy specially dedicated to their use by the priests and Levites, and given into their hands in a solemn ceremony. This was so that kings might know that they needed greater wisdom and counsel for ruling the people than private individuals. Therefore, when the priests and Levites presented them with this book, it was as if God deposited this treasure with the king.

He then enjoins that they should apply themselves to the doctrine of the Law throughout their entire lives, because kings are usually supplied with books only for ostentation and pomp, and when they have tasted what is taught in them, they quickly grow tired and cease to read them.

Finally, the purpose of their reading is appended: first, in general, that they may learn to fear God and keep His statutes; and secondly, so that, being lifted up with pride and vanity, they would not despise and oppress their brethren. And the word brethren is used intentionally, so that they would not imagine that the law of brotherhood was abolished because they were set over the whole people; but rather that they should strive to cherish all as their own members.

Again, this is later repeated, so that they would not turn aside to the right hand or the left; because, when men have much liberty of action, their lusts can never be sufficiently restrained. But, so that it would not be grievous to them to be thus brought to order, God finally reminds them that this moderation would be useful to them, because in this way they would prolong their reigns, whereas the tyranny of kings is often their destruction. As the Lacedemonian king replied, when his wife was annoyed that the Ephori were appointed to restrain him, “that he should indeed leave less power to his children, but that it would be the more lasting.”⁷⁴ But here, a long succession is promised by God’s favor, if they were willing to guide themselves rightly.

⁷³ “Pource qu’il dit, de ceste loy;” because he says, ;” because he says, of this law. — — Fr. The The LXX. translation is, translation is, Καὶ γράψει ἑαυτῷ τὸ Δευτερονόμιον τῦτο εἰς βιβλίον παρὰ τῶν ἱερέων τῶν Λευιτῶν C. seems to overlook the command that it should be transcribed by the king himself, of which, notwithstanding the opinion of some ancient commentators, the words appear to leave no doubt. seems to overlook the command that it should be transcribed by the king himself, of which, notwithstanding the opinion of some ancient commentators, the words appear to leave no doubt.

⁷⁴ This anecdote of Theopompus is mentioned by Aristotle, Pol. v. 11; Plutarch, in vita Lycurgi, Section 7; and Valerius Max., lib. 4. cap. 1. Section 8.