Deuteronomy 17:19 - King's Torah study duty?

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Hebrew Text

וְהָיְתָה עִמּוֹ וְקָרָא בוֹ כָּל־יְמֵי חַיָּיו לְמַעַן יִלְמַד לְיִרְאָה אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהָיו לִשְׁמֹר אֶת־כָּל־דִּבְרֵי הַתּוֹרָה הַזֹּאת וְאֶת־הַחֻקִּים הָאֵלֶּה לַעֲשֹׂתָם׃

English Translation

and it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this Tora and these statutes, to do them:

Transliteration

Vehayta imo vekara vo kol-yemei chayav lemaan yilamed leyira et-Adonai Elohav lishmor et-kol-divrei haTorah hazot ve'et-hachukim ha'eleh la'asotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיְתָ֣ה עִמּ֔וֹ וְקָ֥רָא ב֖וֹ כׇּל־יְמֵ֣י חַיָּ֑יו לְמַ֣עַן יִלְמַ֗ד לְיִרְאָה֙ אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהָ֔יו לִ֠שְׁמֹ֠ר אֶֽת־כׇּל־דִּבְרֵ֞י הַתּוֹרָ֥ה הַזֹּ֛את וְאֶת־הַחֻקִּ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה לַעֲשֹׂתָֽם׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Devarim

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 17:19 as part of the Torah's instructions regarding the obligations of a Jewish king. The Torah mandates that the king must write a Sefer Torah for himself and keep it with him at all times, reading from it daily to internalize its teachings and fulfill his role with proper reverence for Hashem.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְהָיְתָה עִמּוֹ" ("and it shall be with him") means the Sefer Torah must accompany the king wherever he goes—whether in his palace, on military campaigns, or during travels. This constant proximity ensures that the Torah guides his decisions and actions at all times.

Purpose of Continuous Study

The verse emphasizes three key outcomes of the king's Torah study:

"לְמַעַן יִלְמַד לְיִרְאָה אֶת־יְהוָה" – To cultivate yiras Shamayim (fear of Heaven), the foundation of all mitzvah observance.
"לִשְׁמֹר אֶת־כָּל־דִּבְרֵי הַתּוֹרָה" – To meticulously guard the Torah's commandments.
"לַעֲשֹׂתָם" – To actively perform the mitzvos, not merely learn them theoretically.

Rambam's Expansion in Hilchos Melachim

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Melachim 3:1), the Rambam elaborates that this mitzvah applies not only to kings but serves as a model for every Jew. He derives from here that Torah study must be a daily obligation, as the verse states "כָּל־יְמֵי חַיָּיו" ("all the days of his life").

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Seitzei 2) teaches that the Torah's instruction for the king to write his own Sefer Torah—rather than inheriting one—symbolizes that each person must develop a personal connection to Torah through their own effort and study, reinforcing the principle of "Torah is acquired through toil" (Avos 6:6).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 21b

The verse is referenced in the discussion about the obligation of a king to write a Torah scroll for himself, emphasizing the importance of constant study to learn to fear God and observe His commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 17:19 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 17:19 instructs a Jewish king to keep a Torah scroll with him at all times and to read from it daily. This constant engagement with the Torah helps him develop fear (reverence) of Hashem, internalize its teachings, and fulfill all its commandments properly. Rashi explains that this prevents arrogance and keeps the king humble before G-d.

Q: Why is it important for a king to read the Torah daily?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 3:1) teaches that a king's constant Torah study ensures he rules justly and remains connected to Hashem's will. Unlike other rulers who may act selfishly, a Jewish king must base his leadership on Torah values. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 21b) also states this prevents him from becoming prideful over his position.

Q: What can we learn from this verse today?
A: While we don't have kings today, the principle applies to all Jews: regular Torah study leads to yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) and proper mitzvah observance. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) emphasizes that Torah must be 'with us' constantly—not just physically, but as a guide in all aspects of life.

Q: How does this verse connect to the mitzvah of Torah study?
A: This verse reinforces the Torah obligation (Devarim 6:7) to study Torah continually. The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:8) rules that every Jew—not just kings—must set fixed times for Torah study daily. The king's example shows that even the busiest leaders must prioritize learning.

Q: What does 'fear of Hashem' mean in this context?
A: Rashi explains that 'fear' here refers to awe and reverence that leads to careful mitzvah observance. The Sforno adds that constant Torah study naturally cultivates this fear by reminding us of Hashem's presence and commandments. It's not about terror, but deep respect that motivates proper actions.