You must abide by the verdict they give youThis phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience to the judicial decisions made by the appointed leaders in Israel. In the context of Deuteronomy, Moses is instructing the Israelites on the necessity of following the rulings of the priests and judges. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israelite society, where religious and civil laws were intertwined. The authority of these leaders was seen as divinely appointed, and their decisions were to be respected as coming from God Himself. This principle of obedience to authority is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are instructed to submit to governing authorities (
Romans 13:1-2).
at the place the LORD will choose
This refers to the central place of worship that God would designate, which later became Jerusalem with the establishment of the temple. The phrase underscores the significance of centralized worship and decision-making in Israel's religious life. It points to the unity and cohesion of the nation under God's chosen place, which was initially the tabernacle and later the temple. This centralization prefigures the coming of Christ, who becomes the ultimate temple and place of God's presence among His people (John 2:19-21).
Be careful to do everything they instruct you
This instruction highlights the necessity of careful adherence to the law and the decisions of the leaders. It reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience to God's commands as a demonstration of faith and commitment to His covenant. The call to careful obedience is a recurring theme throughout Deuteronomy and the entire Bible, emphasizing that true worship and relationship with God involve not just hearing His word but also doing it (James 1:22). This careful obedience is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who perfectly obeyed the Father and calls His followers to do the same (John 14:15).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.
2.
The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, receiving the law as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
3.
The Place the LORD Will ChooseRefers to the central place of worship and judgment, which would later be established in Jerusalem.
4.
Priests and JudgesThe appointed leaders responsible for interpreting and applying God's law.
5.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who provides the law and guidance for His people.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God-Ordained AuthorityGod establishes leaders and systems of authority for the well-being of His people. We are called to respect and follow these authorities as they align with God's Word.
The Importance of Centralized Worship and JudgmentThe place God chooses for worship and judgment signifies His presence and authority. Our worship and decisions should be centered on God's will and guidance.
Careful Adherence to God’s InstructionsThe call to "be careful to do everything they instruct you" emphasizes the importance of diligence and faithfulness in following God's commands.
The Role of Community in Discerning God’s WillThe community of faith, through its leaders, plays a crucial role in interpreting and applying God's Word. We should seek counsel and wisdom from godly leaders.
The Balance of Justice and MercyWhile the law provides structure and order, it must be applied with a heart of justice and mercy, reflecting God's character.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 17:10?
2.How does Deuteronomy 17:10 emphasize obedience to God's appointed authorities?
3.What role do priests and judges play according to Deuteronomy 17:10?
4.How does Deuteronomy 17:10 connect with Romans 13:1 on authority?
5.How can we apply Deuteronomy 17:10 in respecting church leadership today?
6.Why is following "the verdict they give" crucial for maintaining order and justice?
7.How does Deuteronomy 17:10 emphasize obedience to religious authority?
8.What historical context influenced the directives in Deuteronomy 17:10?
9.How does Deuteronomy 17:10 relate to the concept of divine law?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 17?
11.What does 'God is no respecter of persons' mean?
12.In Deuteronomy 17:8–12, what ensures that the priests and judges—rather than impartial authorities—aren’t abusing their power when settling disputes?
13.Why does God kill Uzzah instantly for touching the Ark to prevent it from falling (2 Samuel 6:7)?
14.What does 'confess with your mouth' mean in Romans 10:9?What Does Deuteronomy 17:10 Mean
You mustThe opening words establish a non-negotiable command. God is not making a suggestion but issuing a directive that carries His full authority.
•Exodus 19:5 reminds Israel, “Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession,” making obedience the pathway to blessing.
• Jesus echoes the same heart inLuke 6:46, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” Our relationship with God is authenticated by doing what He says.
abide by the verdict“Abide” calls for settled, enduring submission to the legal decision rendered. Israel’s courts—staffed by priests and judges—were God-appointed channels of justice.
•Romans 13:1-2 teaches that “there is no authority except from God,” underscoring that resisting lawful verdicts is resisting God Himself.
• InDeuteronomy 17:12, just two verses later, the penalty for disregarding such a judgment is death, highlighting the seriousness with which God views rebellion.
they give youThe verse stresses that the verdict comes through identifiable leaders, not through individual preference. God mediates His guidance through those He calls and equips.
•Deuteronomy 16:18 commands, “Appoint judges and officials… and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.”
•Malachi 2:7 adds, “For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth,” confirming the teaching role of spiritual leadership.
at the place the LORD will chooseGod ties obedience to the central sanctuary, the one location He designates for worship and judgment. This safeguards purity of doctrine and unity of the nation.
•Deuteronomy 12:5 says, “You are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose… to put His Name there for His dwelling.”
• Centuries later, Solomon’s temple fulfills this in1 Kings 8:29: “May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day.” Centralized worship curbs spiritual drift.
Be careful to do everythingCarefulness points to deliberate, wholehearted obedience, not casual compliance. God wants meticulous faithfulness.
•Joshua 1:7 urges, “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law… do not turn from it to the right or to the left.”
•James 1:22 echoes, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Detail-oriented obedience guards against self-deception.
they instruct youInstruction covers more than verdicts; it includes any teaching that flows from God’s Word through His appointed leaders.
•Ezra 7:10 exemplifies this heart: “Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD and to do it and to teach His statutes.”
•Hebrews 13:7 calls believers to “remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you,” encouraging ongoing attentiveness to godly counsel.
summaryDeuteronomy 17:10 anchors God’s people to obedience that is personal (“You must”), authoritative (“abide by the verdict”), mediated (“they give you”), centralized (“at the place the LORD will choose”), meticulous (“Be careful to do everything”), and instructional (“they instruct you”). The verse safeguards unity, purity, and blessing by directing hearts to submit fully to God’s revealed will as delivered through His chosen servants.
Verses 10-12. - This sentence, being founded on the Law, the suitors were to accept and implicitly obey. If any through pride or arrogance should refuse to accept the interpretation of the Law given by the priests, or to submit to the sentence pronounced by the judge, he was to be regarded as a rebel against God, and to be put to death, that others might be deterred from the like presumption (
Deuteronomy 13:11).
The sentence, which they of that place which the Lord shall choose shall show thee; rather,
which they shall declare to thee from that place which the Lord shall choose.
According to the sentence of the law; literally,
according to the mouth of the Law;
i.
e. according as the Law prescribes, according to the purport of the statute.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You must abide byוְעָשִׂ֗יתָ(wə·‘ā·śî·ṯā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makethe verdictהַדָּבָר֙(had·dā·ḇār)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causethey giveיַגִּ֣ידֽוּ(yag·gî·ḏū)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5046:To be conspicuousyou atמִן־(min-)Preposition
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofthe placeהַמָּק֣וֹם(ham·mā·qō·wm)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725:A standing, a spot, a conditionthe LORDיְהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelwill choose.יִבְחַ֣ר(yiḇ·ḥar)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 977:To try, selectBe carefulוְשָׁמַרְתָּ֣(wə·šā·mar·tā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8104:To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend toto doלַעֲשׂ֔וֹת(la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213:To do, makeeverythingכְּכֹ֖ל(kə·ḵōl)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythey instruct you,יוֹרֽוּךָ׃(yō·w·rū·ḵā)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3384:To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teach
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 17:10 You shall do according to the tenor (Deut. De Du) 
