The Bible provides specific guidelines for a king, particularly in the Old Testament, where the establishment of monarchy in Israel is addressed. These guidelines are primarily found in the books of Deuteronomy, 1 Samuel, and Proverbs, offering a framework for the character, responsibilities, and conduct of a king.

Deuteronomy 17:14-20

The foundational text for the guidelines of a king is found in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. Here, God provides instructions through Moses for the Israelites when they enter the Promised Land and decide to appoint a king. The passage outlines several key principles:

1. Divine Appointment: The king must be chosen by God. Deuteronomy 17:15 states, "You are to appoint over yourselves the king the LORD your God will choose. Appoint a king from among your brothers; you are not to set a foreigner over you, one who is not of your people."

2. Nationality: The king must be an Israelite, ensuring that he shares the same covenantal relationship with God and cultural heritage as the people he leads.

3. Limitations on Power and Wealth: The king is instructed not to acquire excessive horses, wives, or wealth. Deuteronomy 17:16-17 warns, "But the king must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said, '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."

4. Devotion to the Law: The king is required to write for himself a copy of the law and read it all his life. Deuteronomy 17:18-19 emphasizes, "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."

5. Humility and Obedience: The king must remain humble and obedient to God's commandments, ensuring that his heart does not become proud. Deuteronomy 17:20 states, "Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, 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."

1 Samuel 8:10-18

In 1 Samuel 8, the Israelites demand a king to be like other nations. Samuel warns them of the potential consequences of having a king, highlighting the dangers of centralized power and the potential for oppression. This passage serves as a cautionary note about the human tendency to misuse authority.

Proverbs 31:1-9

Proverbs 31 provides additional wisdom for kings, attributed to King Lemuel's mother. The passage advises the king to avoid indulgence in strong drink and to uphold justice, particularly for the oppressed. Proverbs 31:8-9 instructs, "Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy."

The Role of the King in Israel

The king in Israel was to be a shepherd to the people, leading them in accordance with God's law and ensuring justice and righteousness. The king's role was not only political but also spiritual, as he was to model obedience to God and lead the nation in covenant faithfulness. The guidelines for a king emphasize the importance of humility, adherence to God's law, and the pursuit of justice, setting a standard for leadership that reflects God's character and purposes.