Distribution of Powers

Distribution of Powers (Deuteronomy 16: 18-18:22)

Deuteronomy 16:18–18:22 deals with four national offices that together comprised Israel’s leadership: the judiciary (16:18–20; 17:8–13); kingship (17:14–20); priesthood (18:1–8); and prophecy (18:10–22). The chapters raise three issues specifically related to gender. First, the law of the king prohibits him from acquiring “many wives.” The law explains that his wives might cause “his heart” to “turn away”; that is, foreign wives might lead the king to worship their national deities (cf. 1 Kgs. 11)…