Deuteronomy 17:18-20
18 And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:
19 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 law and these statutes, to do them:
20 That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.
This passage emphasizes the importance of scripture study in a time when scriptures were hard to come by. Having the king study them is a great way to ensure that the king doesnt deviate far from serving God.
Is this one reason why kings took on them the responsibility of the people (think: Mosiah and Benjamin's people): Because the people had no scriptures but what they heard during congregational worship? Is congregational worship an ancient practice to provide a way for people to learn the gospel? I think we will always worship together because the gospel teaches us to love others; but it makes me wonder if the purpose of congregational worship anciently was different than today - and if so, what ought it to be today?
