Deuteronomy 16

v1-17: These "three yearly feasts maintained fellowship between God and his people Israel and preserved an outward appearance of religion in the nation." They were to be times of joy because of "what they had received from God and joy in their service and sacrifices to him," for "our responsibilities, as well as the privileges we enjoy, must be our delight."

v18-22: Those who serve as judges are to "abide by the principles of justice, act according to the rules of justice, support the demands of justice, imitate the ways of justice, and pursue with determination what appears to be just." It is not wrong for us to expect that the judges in our nation be committed to these principles, and that any personal wishes they have "be sacrificed to this so that they do right for everyone and wrong no one."

Deuteronomy 17

v1-7: Capital laws against idolatry and the serving of other gods were given to Israel to show how wicked this sin was in the sight of God, and to give the people "a dread of that sin" and "to deter those who would otherwise not be persuaded against idolatry." From Israel's history, this "law, which produces death, proved ineffective."

v8-13: "It honours God and benefits a people that the authority of the higher power of the land is observed and the proper order of government is maintained, so that those who are appointed to rule are obeyed, and so that everyone submits to them in everything within their commission." However unpleasant it is to follow their rule, unless it is in disobedience of God's commands, we are to submit, "not only to avoid punishment but also because that is the right way to live."

v14-20: Israel's king "must carefully avoid everything that would distract him from God and religion," including those "three great hindrances of godliness": riches, honours, and pleasures (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life). He must know the Law of God thoroughly and make that his rule for life, with this being "more important to him than all riches, honours, and pleasures, than many horses or many wives, better than vast sums of gold and silver." Only our Lord Jesus, the great King of the Jews, perfectly kept these instructions which God gave to Israel concerning their king.