1. Follow justice (16:18-17:13)

The Lord taught his people to follow him and not worship other gods. One way they could do this was to follow justice. The Lord is just. He revealed his justice by being with them, bearing their sin and providing atonement for them. The Lord's justice is unique; it makes his people righteous. The judges they appointed were to honor the covenant God established, purging evil from their communities and acting in accordance with God's holy commands. They were participants with the Lord in his justice.

2. The king (14-20)

God knew that his people would desire a king, just as the other nations had. In this way they rejected the Lord as their king. (1Sa 8:7). Again the Lord bore their rejection on himself. He gave instructions regarding the king. Above all, their king must be an Israelite and a man of the word, writing it, reading it and obeying it. He should not become proud or seek wealth, but only seek the Lord through his word.