The "Law of the King" refers to the specific guidelines and commandments given by God regarding the conduct and responsibilities of a king over Israel. This concept is primarily derived from Deuteronomy 17:14-20, where God, through Moses, provides instructions for the Israelites concerning the establishment of a monarchy. These laws were intended to ensure that the king would lead the nation in accordance with God's will and maintain a covenant relationship with Him.

Biblical Context

The anticipation of a monarchy is addressed in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The passage begins with the acknowledgment that the Israelites will desire a king to rule over them like other nations: "When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, 'Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,'" (Deuteronomy 17:14). This foresight acknowledges the human inclination to conform to surrounding cultures, yet it provides a divine framework to guide this desire.

Requirements and Restrictions

The Law of the King outlines several key requirements and restrictions:

1. Divine Selection: The king must be chosen by God: "you are to appoint over yourselves the king the LORD your God chooses" (Deuteronomy 17:15). This emphasizes the theocratic nature of Israel's monarchy, where the king is subject to God's authority.

2. Israelite Heritage: The king must be an Israelite, not a foreigner: "Appoint a king from among your brothers; you are not to set a foreigner over you, one who is not of your people" (Deuteronomy 17:15). This requirement ensures that the king shares in the covenantal identity and religious heritage of the people.

3. Limitations on Power and Wealth: The king is prohibited from acquiring excessive horses, wives, or wealth: "He must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said to you, 'You are never to go back that way again.' He must not take many wives for himself, lest his heart go astray. He must not accumulate for himself large amounts of silver and gold" (Deuteronomy 17:16-17). These restrictions are designed to prevent the king from becoming prideful, idolatrous, or oppressive.

4. Devotion to the Law: The king is commanded to write for himself a copy of the law and read it all his life: "When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes" (Deuteronomy 17:18-19). This practice is intended to keep the king humble and obedient to God's commandments.

5. Humility and Obedience: The king must not consider himself above his fellow Israelites: "Then his heart will not be exalted above his brothers, and he will not turn aside from the commandment to the right or to the left, so that he and his descendants may reign long over his kingdom in Israel" (Deuteronomy 17:20). This ensures that the king remains a servant leader, accountable to God and the people.

Historical Application

The Law of the King was not merely theoretical but had practical implications throughout Israel's history. The reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon, among others, illustrate the challenges and consequences of adhering to or deviating from these divine instructions. For instance, Solomon's accumulation of wealth and many wives led to idolatry and division within the kingdom, demonstrating the wisdom and foresight of these divine restrictions.

Theological Significance

The Law of the King underscores the principle that ultimate authority belongs to God, and any earthly ruler is merely a steward of His will. It reflects the biblical theme of servant leadership and the importance of humility, obedience, and devotion to God's Word. This law also foreshadows the coming of the perfect King, Jesus Christ, who embodies these principles and reigns with justice and righteousness.