Deuteronomy 17:15

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

احْرِصُوا عَلَى تَنصِيبِ المَلِكِ الَّذِي يَختَارُهُ ، وَأنْ يَكُونَ مِنْ شَعْبِكُمْ. فَلَا يَجُوزُ أنْ تُنَصِّبُوا أجنَبِيًا لَيْسَ مِنْ إخْوَتِكُمْ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse instructs the Israelites to only choose a king who is chosen by God and is one of their own kin. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God and the preference for a leader from their own community.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're picking a team captain for your soccer team. This verse says you should choose someone your team knows and trusts, and God has to agree with your choice. It's like picking the best friend to lead your group!

Historical Background

Moses is speaking to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. This instruction comes from the Torah, specifically Deuteronomy, which is believed to have been written around 1200-1000 BCE. The audience was the Israelite community, and the cultural setting was one of preparing for a new phase of their history.

Living It Out Today

In a modern context, this verse can be seen as a reminder to choose leaders who are accountable to a higher authority and who share the same values and background as the community they serve. For instance, a company might prefer a CEO who understands the company culture and has a proven track record of ethical leadership.

Topics

• leadership
• obedience
• community
• God's will
• election
• faith

Related Verses

• Numbers 27:18
• 1 Samuel 8:7
• 1 Samuel 10:24
• 2 Samuel 5:3
• Matthew 22:21

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the verse emphasize the king must be chosen by God?

The verse emphasizes divine selection to ensure that the leader is righteous and God-fearing, aligning with God's will and ensuring the well-being of the community.

How does this verse relate to modern leadership?

This verse suggests that leaders should be chosen not just based on popularity or skills, but also on their alignment with higher values and their understanding of the community's culture.

What does it mean to set a 'stranger' over you?

Setting a stranger over you means choosing someone who is not part of your community or does not share your values, which could lead to potential conflicts and mismanagement.

How does this verse apply to choosing a leader in a church?

In a church context, this verse suggests that leaders should be chosen from within the community, ensuring they understand the values and needs of the congregation and are accountable to God.