Carla

November 14th, 2017

Be careful what you ask for!

These regulations limited the power and splendor of the future king. He would not be dependent on military power and riches. He was exhorted not to entangle the nation in political alliances that would expose Israel to pagan worship. Faithlife Bible.

The laws concerning the king (rather than assigning specific roles and powers) are essentially negative; they forbid the king advocating for a return to Egypt and the acquisition of many horses, multiple wives, and great wealth. NKJ bible.

The only positive duty is to learn the law of Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 17:14-20

When you come to the land which the Lord your God is giving you, and possess it and dwell in it, and say, ‘I will set a king over me like all the nations that are around me,’ you shall surely set a king over you whom the Lord your God

chooses; one from among your brethren you shall set as king over you; you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall not return that way again.’ Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself.

Isaiah 31:1

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,And rely on horses,Who trust in chariots because they are many,And in horsemen because they are very strong,But who do not look to the Holy One of Israel,Nor seek the Lord!