Deuteronomy 17:14

¶ When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that [are] about me;

When thou art come {H935} unto the land {H776} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth {H5414} thee, and shalt possess {H3423} it, and shalt dwell {H3427} therein, and shalt say {H559}, I will set {H7760} a king {H4428} over me, like as all the nations {H1471} that are about {H5439} me;

"When you have entered the land ADONAI your God is giving you, have taken possession of it and are living there, you may say, 'I want to have a king over me, like all the other nations around me.'

When you enter the land that 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,”

When thou art come unto the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are round about me;

Commentary

Deuteronomy 17:14 is a significant verse as it prophetically anticipates a future desire within Israel to establish a monarchy, an institution that would profoundly shape their history. This verse is part of Moses's final instructions to the Israelites before they enter the promised land of Canaan, outlining laws and principles for their future national life.

Context

This verse falls within a section of Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26) that lays out the statutes and judgments God gave to Israel through Moses. Specifically, Deuteronomy 17 addresses the qualifications and responsibilities of various leaders, including judges, priests, and, notably, a future king. Moses, speaking under divine inspiration, foresees that once the Israelites are settled and prosperous in the land, they will desire a king "like as all the nations that are about me." This isn't a command to appoint a king, but a divinely inspired foresight of their future inclination, which God then proceeds to regulate in the subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 17:15-20).

Key Themes

  • Divine Foreknowledge: God, through Moses, demonstrates His omniscience by knowing Israel's future desire for a king even before they possess the land. This highlights God's sovereign plan, which accounts for human choices.
  • Imitation of Nations: A central point of concern is Israel's desire to be "like as all the nations." Throughout their history, Israel was called to be distinct and holy, set apart for God (Leviticus 11:44). Their longing for a king, motivated by a desire to conform to surrounding cultures, foreshadowed a recurring struggle with idolatry and worldliness. This desire eventually led to the request for a king in 1 Samuel 8:5, which God granted, though with warnings.
  • Anticipation of Monarchy: While the desire to imitate other nations was problematic, God provided a framework for a righteous monarchy, indicating that kingship, when properly guided by divine law, could serve His purposes. The subsequent verses outline strictures on the king's conduct, emphasizing dependence on God's law rather than military power or wealth.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I will set a king over me" reflects the people's agency in desiring a monarch. However, the immediate follow-up in Deuteronomy 17:15 states, "thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose." This highlights a crucial balance: while the people would express the desire, God reserved the ultimate right to approve and appoint the specific individual, ensuring the king would be chosen by divine will and not merely human preference.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 17:14 offers timeless lessons:

  • Beware of Worldly Conformity: The desire to be "like all the nations" is a perpetual temptation. Believers are called to be distinct, to live according to God's standards rather than conforming to the values or practices of the world (Romans 12:2). This applies to personal choices, leadership styles, and societal norms.
  • God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs: Even when humanity makes choices that are not ideal, God's foreknowledge and sovereign plan can work within or despite those choices to achieve His ultimate purposes. He prepares for our decisions and provides guidance.
  • Leadership Under God's Law: This passage sets a precedent for leadership, whether in civil government, the church, or even family, emphasizing that authority should always be exercised under the ultimate authority of God's Word. Leaders are accountable to God and His laws, not just to human desires or traditions.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 8:19 (6 votes)

    Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;

  • 1 Samuel 8:20 (6 votes)

    That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.

  • Joshua 1:13 (3 votes)

    Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.

  • 1 Samuel 12:19 (3 votes)

    And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins [this] evil, to ask us a king.

  • Deuteronomy 26:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And it shall be, when thou [art] come in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance, and possessest it, and dwellest therein;

  • Leviticus 14:34 (2 votes)

    When ye be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession;

  • Deuteronomy 26:9 (2 votes)

    And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, [even] a land that floweth with milk and honey.