Peter Barnes | Deuteronomy 31:9-13
SERMON NOTES
ELDERS UNDER THE WORD
Deut. 31:9-13; 2 Chronicles 28:1-15
1. Elders taught God’s Word.
– Deut.31:9-12; the whole law (probably all of Deuteronomy) was read every seven years at the Feast of Booths, which celebrates redemption (cf. Eph.1:7)
– it was only read, not commented on as in Neh.8:8; see too Deut.6:7-9
2. Elders applied God’s Word.
– e.g. Deut.19:11-12; see Ex.21:12-14
– elders determine who is baptized, who is a member, and other matters to do with applying the Word.
3. Elders obeyed God’s Word first of all.
– 2 Chron.28:1-15; Ahaz of Judah is greatly chastened for his idolatry and child sacrifice
– Pekah of Israel overdoes it, and is corrected by Oded the prophet; the leaders (which must include elders) follow the prophet, not the king i.e. they obey God.
– a contrast to the elders in Ezek.8:9-12; 9:3-6