Justice, God’s Word, and the King

Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 17:8-20.

The LORD’s concern for justice continues as He teaches His people how to handle difficult legal decisions. They must go to the place that the LORD will choose for the priests and judge to decide the matter based on the LORD’s Word. Because justice is tied to the LORD’s Word, the verdict must be followed exactly, lest anyone depart from the justice that God commands in His Word. The theme of justice continues into Moses’ description of one of the three primary offices among the Israelites: the king. Though the LORD is their King, Moses speaks prophetically about the time to come when the LORD will allow a human king among His people. The king will only be successful in the sight of the LORD if the king is faithful to the LORD’s Word. Even the best of the Old Testament kings never fully live up to the description; Jesus Christ is the fulfillment.

“The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to skip, this influential book is essential reading for Christians. As Moses strengthened Israel on the plains of Moab before the people entered the Promised Land, so the book of Deuteronomy still strengthens the Church as we prepare to enter the Resurrection with Christ, the Prophet greater than Moses.