Four Reasons, No Five You Should Read the Bible - Deuteronomy 17:18-20

"When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives" (vs. 18-19). Included in the book of Deuteronomy are guidelines that future kings of Israel are admonished to follow. Some of these guidelines address a program of daily Bible reading and study. The king was to make his own personal copy of God's instructions by writing them down himself and then reading them daily. (Writing about what you read in the Bible is a good practice as it will help you remember what it says and means. That's what this blog tries to do.) Four reasons are given as to why the king should have a daily devotional time of Bible reading and study:

1. "That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees." Daily Bible reading and study facilitates spiritual growth; it develops one's relationship with God through a better understanding of who He is and how He works.
2. "This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens." Through daily Bible reading and study, the Holy Spirit reveals one's sinfulness and imparts the power to overcome sin.
3. "It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way." By being rooted and grounded in the Word of God, a person is enabled to remain faithful when problems arise because God's presence through His Word and Spirit will be a sustaining force.
4. "And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel." Daily Bible reading and study makes an impression on one's children and grandchildren; they are more likely to follow an example and serve the Lord when a life of devotion to God and His Word is modeled to them.

And there is a 5th reason to read and study the Bible daily suggested by these scriptures. If the king of Israel was commanded by God to read and study the Bible on a daily basis, then shouldn't that be a good practice for us to follow as well?