Monogamous Heart
Deuteronomy 17:17
He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.
In this section, Moses prophetically gives instructions for the future king of Israel. This is interesting, because that day was far in the future, beyond many judges and many years of history. Maybe it wasn't so hard to predict, given that the other nations had kings, but Israel travelled around the desert for a generation, and established their land, all without a king. When they did demand a king, Samuel was hurt, taking it personally as a rejection of his leadership. In God's eyes, it was a rejection of His leadership.
But here in Deuteronomy, none of that had happened yet. Moses, however, sees it coming. First the kingship, then the trappings, the possessions that possess: the horses, the wives, silver and gold.
The wives, he foresaw, would lead the heart of the king astray. The heart that would be totally full of God, serving and loving God only, can't admit many women. One woman, one mate, reinforces the pure, singular heart, that is not divided in loyalty and love.
He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.
In this section, Moses prophetically gives instructions for the future king of Israel. This is interesting, because that day was far in the future, beyond many judges and many years of history. Maybe it wasn't so hard to predict, given that the other nations had kings, but Israel travelled around the desert for a generation, and established their land, all without a king. When they did demand a king, Samuel was hurt, taking it personally as a rejection of his leadership. In God's eyes, it was a rejection of His leadership.
But here in Deuteronomy, none of that had happened yet. Moses, however, sees it coming. First the kingship, then the trappings, the possessions that possess: the horses, the wives, silver and gold.
The wives, he foresaw, would lead the heart of the king astray. The heart that would be totally full of God, serving and loving God only, can't admit many women. One woman, one mate, reinforces the pure, singular heart, that is not divided in loyalty and love.
posted by ruthees @ 7:17 AM
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