Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Deuteronomy 17:11 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Deuteronomy 17:11 is part of a section in the Bible where Moses gives God’s instructions for how Israel should handle difficult legal matters. This verse tells the people to listen carefully to the decision of the priests and judges and to obey their ruling completely.
This verse carries timeless truths about authority, obedience, justice, and the importance of submitting to God’s Word. Let us explore this passage in depth.
The Context of Deuteronomy 17:11 KJV
The Setting of Deuteronomy
The Book of Deuteronomy is Moses’ final message to the people of Israel before they enter the Promised Land. It is sometimes called the “second law,” but it is really a restating and explanation of the law that God had already given to Israel.
In Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the people to obey God, remember His works, and follow His law carefully. This is important because Israel would soon live among foreign nations and face many temptations. They needed to be grounded in God’s truth.
The Immediate Context: Verses 8–13
Let’s look at the larger passage to understand verse 11:
Deuteronomy 17:8–13 (KJV)
“If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment… then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the Lord thy God shall choose;
And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge… and enquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment:
And thou shalt do according to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee…
And the man that will do presumptuously… even that man shall die…”
This section of Scripture addresses how Israel should handle difficult legal cases. When a local judge or elder could not settle a matter, the case would go to a central authority — the priests and the appointed judge — at the place God would choose (likely where the tabernacle or temple stood).
Their ruling was final. The people were to obey it exactly. Deuteronomy 17:11 captures this command clearly.
Deuteronomy 17:11 (KJV)
Let’s look closely at the verse itself:
“According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.”
This verse calls for complete obedience to the instruction given by God’s appointed leaders. There is no room for selective listening or rebellion.
Let’s break down the meaning of this verse phrase by phrase.
Deuteronomy 17:11 Meaning
“According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee”
The “sentence of the law” refers to the decision or ruling made by the priests and judges, based on God’s law. The people were not supposed to follow their own opinions. Instead, they were to submit to the law of God as taught by His appointed teachers.
This phrase tells us that the law was to be taught, not merely enforced. The leaders didn’t just say what to do; they explained what the law meant. This was important so that the people could understand why the decision was made.
This teaches us that God’s law is not hidden or unclear. It is to be taught clearly so that people can know how to live rightly.
“And according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do”
This part shows that obedience was expected. Once the priests and judge made their decision, the person who asked for help was required to obey it. The ruling was not a suggestion — it was a command rooted in God’s authority.
This sentence emphasizes personal responsibility. If someone seeks a decision, they must accept the result, especially when it aligns with God’s truth.
“Thou shalt not decline from the sentence… to the right hand, nor to the left”
This means the people were not allowed to change or twist the ruling in any way. They could not soften it or add to it. “To the right hand or the left” is a Hebrew expression that means deviating in any direction.
This part stresses the importance of complete obedience. Even small changes or compromises were not allowed. God required faithfulness and strict adherence to what He had revealed through His appointed leaders.
It also reminds us of God’s consistent call for His people to walk straight and not stray. For example:
“Ye shall observe to do… not turning aside to the right hand or to the left.” (Deuteronomy 5:32)
“Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4:27)
Deuteronomy 17:11 Application in Life
Although we are no longer under the Mosaic Law, there are timeless principles in Deuteronomy 17:11 that apply to Christians today. Let’s look at several life applications.
1. Obey God’s Word Without Compromise
Just as the Israelites were told not to deviate from the ruling, we too are called to obey God’s Word completely. We must not pick and choose which verses to follow or adjust God’s commands to fit our comfort.
Jesus said in John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
God’s truth is not up for debate. We must follow it faithfully, without turning to the right or to the left.
2. Submit to God-Appointed Authority
In ancient Israel, the people were to respect and obey the ruling of the priests and judges. In the New Testament Church, God also establishes spiritual authority.
We are told to respect and submit to our church leaders, so long as they are faithful to God’s Word:
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls.” (Hebrews 13:17)
God’s design is not for us to live in isolation or rebellion, but in community and order, guided by those He has placed in leadership.
3. Seek the Truth from God’s Word
The people in Deuteronomy 17 went to the priests to hear the truth from the law. Likewise, we must go to Scripture when we need guidance.
God’s Word must be our highest authority. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 says all Scripture is useful to teach, correct, and train us.
If we want to live a life that pleases God, we must study His Word, understand it, and obey it fully.
4. Do Not Change God’s Truth
The verse tells the people not to change the sentence given by the priests. Similarly, we must not twist or alter God’s Word to fit culture, trends, or personal opinion.
This is a warning against false teaching and watered-down doctrine. God’s truth is holy and unchanging. As it says in Proverbs 30:6:
“Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”
Let us be faithful in handling the truth of God.
5. Obedience Brings Blessing; Rebellion Brings Judgment
Later in Deuteronomy 17:12, we read that the person who refused to obey the ruling would be punished — even with death. This showed how serious it was to reject God’s authority.
While we do not face physical punishment today for disobeying church leadership or biblical truth, there are still spiritual consequences. Disobedience leads to broken fellowship, confusion, and loss of peace.
Obedience, however, brings blessing, guidance, and peace.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 17:11 is a powerful verse that teaches the importance of listening to God’s appointed leaders, obeying His law, and living with reverence for truth. Let’s review the key message:
“According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.”
This verse reminds us to:
- Seek guidance from those grounded in God’s Word
- Obey God’s truth completely, without deviation
- Honor spiritual authority established by God
- Avoid changing or softening God’s commands
- Walk in faithful obedience, trusting God’s wisdom
In today’s world, many people follow their own opinions or the culture around them. But God’s call remains the same: Do not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Walk in the path of truth.
May we be like the faithful in Israel who honored God’s law, respected His leaders, and obeyed without compromise.
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