There has recently been an effort to reevaluate the influence of the Bible on Western constitutional law. In the Old Testament, there was some language in Deuteronomy imposing restrictions on the Jewish king, regarding such things as how many wives he could have, and how many horses he could own for his personal use. According to Professor Bernard M. Levinson, "This legislation was so utopian in its own time that it seems never to have been implemented...." The Deuteronomic social vision may have influenced opponents of the divine right of kings, including Bishop John Ponet in sixteenth-century England. COUNT 5
QSN1 In which book of the Bible are limitations on Jewish monarchs outlined? ANS1 Deuteronomy QSN2 Who was against the divine rights of kings in England during the 1500s? ANS2 Bishop John Ponet QSN3 What principle did the restrictions on the right of kings, as detailed in Deuteronomy, influence later opposition? ANS3 divine right of kings QSN4 What historical book may have a significant impact on contemporary law making practices? ANS4 Bible QSN5 According to the restrictions placed on Jewish kings in Deuteronomy, ownership over what was regulated? ANS5 horses