Banquet With The King: How To…Read God’s Word

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

How To…Read God’s Word

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. That way he will learn to fear the LORD his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel. Deuteronomy 17:18-20

One of the ways to improve any relationship is by really knowing that person—that goes for knowing God, too. How do we know God? Know a person by reading what they’ve written. I’m part of a writers’ group—STORYWRITERS—and it is true that you learn a lot about people through listening to or reading their stories—whether fiction or memoirs.

Read God's Word in a language you understand.
Hebrew script at the Yardenit Baptism Site
Jordan River, Israel.

What does it say?

God wants His word read…by leaders, kings, and anyone who can read. Additionally, He wants His word read to those who cannot read it for themselves. When the Israelites wanted a king to rule their nation, God gave them guidelines for their king. That included knowing God’s word by copying it for himself and frequently reading it. Note that knowing God’s word would give the king respect for God and prevent him from becoming too conceited and self-reliant. God had a plan for those kings.

Can you read? You must be able to if you are reading this. Are you willing and able to read God’s word? How about copying it for yourself as God required of His king? Considering that this is recorded in the book of Deuteronomy, the portion that they had at that time would only have been the Pentateuch—the first five books of the Old Testament written by Moses. Can you at least read those books? I’ve read them, but it has been a few years since I read through the entire Bible, so I am challenging myself to begin reading it again, beginning two weeks ago. Actually, a Bible Study Group I belong to is reading through the New Testament, chronologically, using “The Bible Recap” on the YouVersion app. It is a great study—joining all the gospel text in order, so far. Why wait until January 1^st? Will you join me in this challenge? Put a comment in the box below.

Prayer – Lord, I love to read Your word. Please give me wisdom and understanding…to know not only what You mean, but why and how it is applicable to my life. Let me understand You at a deeper level and share an appreciation of You with others, just as Joshua did.

Joshua then read to them all the blessings and curses Moses had written in the Book of Instruction. Every word of every command that Moses had ever given was read to the entire assembly of Israel, including the women and children and the foreigners who lived among them. Joshua 8:34-35

Verses of Salvation ~ How long, O God, will you allow our enemies to insult you? Will you let them dishonor your name forever? Why do you hold back your strong right hand? Unleash your powerful fist and destroy them. You, O God, are my king from ages past, bringing salvation to the earth. Psalm 74:10-12

Recycled from November 19, 2023, Banquet With The King blog.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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