Deuteronomy 17:17
Armenian Eastern Bible 1994
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy warns the future kings of Israel not to have too many wives or accumulate too much wealth because these things could distract them from their duties. Moses is speaking here, giving rules to ensure the king remains focused on leading the people well.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're the captain of a big ship. If you have too many toys or too much candy, you might forget to steer the ship safely. That's why God tells the kings not to have too many wives or too much money, so they can focus on being good leaders.
Historical Background
Deuteronomy was written by Moses around 1200 BC. This passage is part of the laws given to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The audience includes the Israelite people and their future kings, in a culture where kings often had multiple wives and great wealth.
Living It Out Today
In today's world, this verse can remind leaders in any field, like business or politics, to avoid distractions that could compromise their integrity or effectiveness. For example, a CEO might need to avoid excessive personal wealth that could lead to unethical business practices.