Deuteronomy 17:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 17:11
11 According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 17 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, sacrifice, worship. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 17:11
11 According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.
Analysis
According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee (עַל־פִּי הַתּוֹרָה, al-pi hatorah)—'according to the mouth of the Torah'—their teaching must align with revealed law, not personal opinion. According to the judgment which they shall tell thee (הַמִּשְׁפָּט, hamishpat)—their application of law to specific cases.
Thou shalt not decline from the sentence...to the right hand, nor to the left—absolute language prohibiting any deviation. This doesn't mean blind obedience—their authority derives from faithfulness to Torah (v. 11a). When authorities contradict God's word, higher allegiance prevails (Acts 5:29). But within proper bounds, their decisions bind the community. This prevents anarchic individualism and maintains covenant order. Joshua 1:7 uses identical language about not deviating from Torah itself.
Historical Context
This became foundational for later Jewish legal tradition emphasizing submission to rabbinic teaching authority. However, prophets repeatedly challenged corrupt priests/judges who violated Torah (Isaiah 1:23, 10:1-2; Jeremiah 5:28; Micah 3:11). Jesus condemned leaders who 'taught as doctrines the commandments of men' (Matthew 15:9), showing that human authority remains subordinate to divine revelation. The Reformation principle 'sola scriptura' echoes this—ecclesiastical authority must align with Scripture.
Reflection
- How do you test whether spiritual leaders are teaching 'according to the Torah' (God's Word) or merely their own traditions?
- What's the difference between humble submission to godly authority and blind obedience to corrupt leadership?
Word Studies
- Judgment: מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) H4941 - Judgment, justice
Cross-References
- Word: Joshua 1:7