Deuteronomy 17:11

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

وَاعْمَلُوا بِحَسَبِ التَّعلِيمَاتِ الَّتِي يُعطُونَهَا لَكُمْ، وَبِحَسَبِ الحُكْمِ الَّذِي يُخبِرُونَكُمْ بِهِ. وَلَا تَحِيدُوا أبَدًا عَنْ القَرَارِ الَّذِي يُعلِنُونَهُ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Deuteronomy says that when the priests and judges teach the law, you must follow it exactly. You should not change or ignore their teachings. Moses is speaking to the Israelites, warning them about the importance of obeying the law.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game, and the grown-ups give you rules. This verse says you should follow those rules exactly like they say, not making up your own rules or changing them a little bit. It's like when your parents tell you to clean your room, you do it just as they asked, not a little bit more or less.

Historical Background

Moses wrote Deuteronomy around 1200-1000 BC, shortly before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. This verse is part of Moses' farewell speech to the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's laws, as interpreted by the religious leaders.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can be applied to following instructions from experts, like a doctor's advice for your health or a lawyer's guidance on legal matters. Just as the Israelites were to follow the priests' teachings, we should respect and follow the guidance of those who have expertise and authority in their fields.

Topics

• obedience
• authority
• laws
• teaching
• leadership
• expertise

Related Verses

• Exodus 21:1
• Joshua 1:8
• Matthew 23:2-3
• 1 Peter 2:13-14
• Hebrews 13:17

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the 'they' in Deuteronomy 17:11?

The 'they' refers to the priests and judges who were responsible for interpreting and teaching the law to the Israelites.

What happens if someone does not follow the judgment of the priests?

The verse implies that deviation from the priests' teachings is not acceptable, suggesting that not following their judgment could lead to negative consequences, possibly including disobedience to God.

Can this verse be applied outside of a religious context?

Yes, the principle of following expert guidance can be applied in various non-religious contexts, such as following medical advice or legal guidance.

How does this verse relate to the concept of blind obedience?

While the verse emphasizes the importance of following the law as interpreted by the priests, it does not promote blind obedience. It assumes that the priests' teachings are just and in line with God's law.