Deuteronomy 17

Read Deuteronomy 17 here (text coming …) or at Bible Gateway.

17:1 {s} Blemished sacrifices are detestable to YHVH
17:2-7 {p} Idolaters are detestable to YHVH
17:8-13 {s} Authority of the priest and judge
17:14-20 {s} Authority of the king

The Deu 17:2-7 paragraph concludes the following Strong Theme:

16:13-17 {s} Tabernacles is holy to YHVH
16:18-20 {s} Injustice is detestable to YHVH
16:21-22 {s} Idolatrous groves and pillars are detestable to YHVH
17:1 {s} Blemished sacrifices are detestable to YHVH
17:2-7 {p} Idolaters are detestable to YHVH

At first glance it seems we have left the topic of the 5th Commandment, Honor God’s authority (honor your father and mother), and are back on the 2nd Commandment, You shall not worship idols.

But the first paragraph in the section about Honoring God’s authority (Deu 16:18-18:22) is setting the stage: You shall appoint judges in all your gates (that is, in all your cities), and they shall judge the people with just judgment. God as the ultimate authority has the responsibility to say, this is righteous, do it; this is wicked, do not do it. God has established consequences for wickedness in His Word, and it is not because He enjoys meting out punishment. It is to discourage the practice of something that will harm self and others. To promote blessing, and prevent harm–that is the purpose of delegated authority among men.

The Strong Theme makes the following Chiastic Structure: