Deuteronomy 17:15

KJV

Thou shalt in any wise set [him] king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: [one] from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which [is] not thy brother.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt in any wise {H7760} set {H7760} him king {H4428} over thee, whom the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} shall choose {H977}: one from among {H7130} thy brethren {H251} shalt thou set {H7760} king {H4428} over thee: thou mayest {H3201} not set {H5414} a stranger {H5237}{H376} over thee, which is not thy brother {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In that event, you must appoint as king the one whom ADONAI your God will choose. He must be one of your kinsmen, this king you appoint over you - you are forbidden to appoint a foreigner over you who is not your kinsman.

Berean Standard Bible

you are to appoint over yourselves the king whom the LORD your God shall choose. Appoint a king from among your brothers; you are not to set over yourselves a foreigner who is not one of your brothers.

American Standard Version

thou shalt surely set him king over thee, whom Jehovah thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee; thou mayest not put a foreigner over thee, who is not thy brother.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 17:15 presents a foundational Mosaic directive concerning the establishment of Israel's monarchy, prophetically anticipating their future desire for a king. It stipulates three non-negotiable criteria: the king must be divinely chosen by Yahweh, he must be an Israelite "from among thy brethren," and explicitly, no foreigner or "stranger" is permitted to occupy the throne. This command underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over human leadership, safeguards Israel's unique covenantal identity, and sets the stage for a divinely sanctioned monarchy committed to upholding the Law and leading the nation in fidelity to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the Deuteronomic Code, a comprehensive collection of laws and statutes spanning [Deuteronomy 12-26](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12-26 - The Deuteronomic Code"). Specifically, [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14-20 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws Concerning the King") outlines the divine regulations for Israel's future monarchy. Moses, addressing the Israelites on the plains of Moab just before their entry into the Promised Land, anticipates their eventual desire for a king "like all the nations that are round about them" ([Deuteronomy 17:14](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14 - Israel's Anticipated Desire for a King")). However, this human inclination is immediately tempered by strict divine guidelines, ensuring that any kingship established in Israel would serve God's purposes rather than merely imitating the pagan monarchies of the ancient Near East. The subsequent verses further elaborate on the king's responsibilities, particularly concerning the avoidance of excessive wealth, multiple wives, and the crucial necessity of his personal, lifelong commitment to studying and obeying the Law ([Deuteronomy 17:16-20](/deuteronomy/17-16-20 "Deuteronomy 17:16-20 - Further Regulations for the King")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this pronouncement, Israel functioned as a tribal confederacy, governed by judges and elders, fundamentally distinct from the centralized monarchies prevalent throughout the ancient Near East. Surrounding nations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Canaan were ruled by kings often regarded as divine or semi-divine, exercising absolute power and frequently engaging in idolatry, polytheism, and oppressive practices. Moses' prophetic foresight in [Deuteronomy 17:14](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14 - Israel's Future Request for a King") acknowledges this regional norm but immediately counters it by establishing a radically different model for Israelite kingship. Unlike pagan monarchs, Israel's king was to be subservient to God's law, chosen by Yahweh, and accountable to the covenant. This unique framework prevented Israel from uncritically adopting the pagan concept of kingship and ensured their distinct identity as God's chosen people, governed by His divine statutes, even under a human king. It was a safeguard against the spiritual and cultural assimilation that often accompanied political imitation.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 17:15 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Appointment of Leadership**, asserting God's ultimate authority over all human governance. The king's legitimacy is rooted not in popular acclamation or dynastic succession alone, but in Yahweh's sovereign choice, as later exemplified in the anointing of [Saul](/1_samuel/9-16 "1 Samuel 9:16 - Saul's Divine Appointment") and then [David](/1_samuel/16-12 "1 Samuel 16:12 - David's Selection by God"). Secondly, it emphasizes **National Identity and Covenantal Purity**. The explicit command that the king must be "one from among thy brethren" and not "a stranger" underscores the vital importance of maintaining Israel's unique identity as a people set apart for God. This stipulation protected the nation from foreign political and religious influences that could undermine their fidelity to the covenant with Yahweh, a danger tragically realized in the negative examples of kings who married foreign wives and introduced idolatry, such as [Solomon](/1_kings/11-1-8 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Foreign Wives and Idolatry"). Finally, it highlights **Covenant Fidelity as a Core Expectation for Leadership**. An Israelite king, ideally, was to be deeply steeped in the Law of Moses and committed to upholding God's covenant with His people, serving as a guardian of their unique relationship with God rather than eroding it.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Choose (Hebrew, בָּחַר, _bâchar'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate, sovereign act of selection or election. In the context of Deuteronomy 17:15, it underscores that the king's authority ultimately derives from God's divine prerogative, not from human will, political maneuvering, or hereditary right. It implies a divine purpose and sanction for the chosen leader, setting a precedent for God's active involvement in establishing leadership within Israel, as seen in the later selections of Saul and David. This divine choice ensures the legitimacy and spiritual authority of the monarch, placing him under God's ultimate rule.
* **Brethren (Hebrew, אָח, _ʼâch'_):** This term emphasizes kinship, shared lineage, and national identity. The requirement that the king be "from among thy brethren" means he must be a fellow Israelite, a member of the covenant community. This ensures that the king shares the people's heritage, understands their unique relationship with Yahweh, and is bound by the same covenantal obligations. It fosters a sense of unity and mutual accountability between the ruler and the ruled, preventing the king from becoming an oppressive, detached foreign entity who might prioritize external alliances or pagan practices.
* **Stranger (Hebrew, נָכְרִי, _nokrîy'_):** This noun refers to a foreigner, an alien, or someone not belonging to the Israelite community. The explicit prohibition against setting a "stranger" over them as king highlights the acute danger of foreign influence, particularly in matters of faith and governance. A foreign king might introduce idolatrous practices, prioritize foreign alliances over Israel's covenant with Yahweh, or implement laws contrary to the Mosaic Law, thereby corrupting the nation's spiritual and social fabric. This prohibition serves as a crucial safeguard for Israel's distinct religious and national identity, preserving their unique relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt in any wise set [him] king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose:"** This opening clause acknowledges the future reality of Israel desiring a king and, crucially, establishes God's absolute sovereignty in the selection process. The future king is not to be chosen by human preference or political ambition, but by divine election. This principle ensures that the monarchy, when established, would operate under God's ultimate authority and guidance, rather than becoming an independent power or merely imitating the pagan nations around them. It sets a theological precedent for legitimate leadership in Israel.
* **"[one] from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee:"** This second clause specifies the nationality of the chosen king. He must be an Israelite, a kinsman, sharing the same covenantal heritage and national identity as the people he rules. This requirement fosters internal unity, ensures the king's understanding of and commitment to the Mosaic Law, and prevents the introduction of foreign customs or religious practices that could compromise Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh. It emphasizes shared identity and allegiance to the covenant.
* **"thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which [is] not thy brother."** This final, emphatic prohibition reinforces the preceding positive command by explicitly forbidding the appointment of a non-Israelite king. The "stranger" (Hebrew _nokrîy_) would not share Israel's covenantal allegiance, potentially leading to idolatry, oppressive rule, or the erosion of Israel's distinct identity as God's chosen nation. This negative injunction serves as a strong warning against foreign political and spiritual contamination, highlighting the importance of maintaining the purity of Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 17:15 employs several significant literary devices to convey its crucial message with clarity and force. The most prominent is **Contrast**, starkly juxtaposing "one from among thy brethren" with "a stranger," emphasizing the absolute necessity of an Israelite king and the profound danger of a foreign ruler. This antithesis highlights the importance of national and covenantal purity in leadership. There is also a strong element of **Legal Language** and a **Prescriptive Tone**, characteristic of the Deuteronomic Code, using direct commands ("Thou shalt... shalt thou set... mayest not set") to establish clear, non-negotiable statutes for the future monarchy. The **Repetition** of the phrase "set king over thee" reinforces the central theme of establishing a monarchy and underscores the divine authority behind its regulation. Furthermore, the verse uses **Emphasis** through its double negative construction ("mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother"), making the prohibition against a foreign king exceptionally strong and unequivocal, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 17:15 lays the theological groundwork for Israel's monarchy, establishing that even human leadership must operate under divine election and within the bounds of God's covenant. It prefigures the ongoing tension throughout Israel's history between a divinely appointed, covenant-keeping king and those who failed to meet these standards, often leading the nation astray. The ideal king, chosen by God and from among the people, was meant to be a shepherd, a guardian of the Law, and a reflection of God's righteous rule on earth. This verse connects to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including political structures, and His desire for His people to maintain their distinct identity, uncorrupted by the ways of the nations. It sets the stage for the later narratives of kingship, both successful and failed, and ultimately points to the need for a perfect, divine King who would perfectly embody these ideals.

* [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's Response to Israel's Demand for a King")
* [1 Samuel 10:24](/1_samuel/10-24 "1 Samuel 10:24 - Saul Presented as King")
* [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1-8 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Foreign Wives and Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 17:15 offers profound insights for believers today, extending beyond the literal context of monarchical rule. It reminds us that leadership, in any sphere—be it civil government, church, or family—is ultimately under God's sovereign hand. We are called to seek His guidance in selecting leaders, prioritizing character, integrity, and a deep commitment to foundational, God-honoring principles over mere charisma, worldly power, or political expediency. The prohibition against a "stranger" can be understood metaphorically as a caution against allowing "foreign" ideologies or influences—those contrary to biblical truth and Christian values—to govern our lives, our churches, or our societies. Just as Israel's king was to be "from among thy brethren," sharing their covenant and identity, so too should our leaders, and indeed, we ourselves, be deeply rooted in the community of faith and committed to the values of God's kingdom. This verse calls us to discernment, to guard our spiritual and communal identity, and to hold leaders accountable to divine standards, recognizing that true authority flows from God and is meant to serve His purposes for His people, fostering righteousness and spiritual flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of God's choice in leadership (Deuteronomy 17:15) challenge modern democratic ideals, and how can these two concepts be reconciled in a Christian worldview that values both divine sovereignty and human responsibility?**
* **In what ways might "stranger" influences (e.g., secular ideologies, cultural trends, unbiblical philosophies) subtly infiltrate and compromise the identity of the church or individual believers today, and how can we guard against them?**
* **What qualities do you believe are most essential for leaders in the church or community today, based on the principles of this verse, and how can we cultivate these qualities?**
* **How can individual believers actively pray for and support leaders in a way that aligns with the divine standards presented here, fostering accountability and faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Did Israel always obey the command in Deuteronomy 17:15 regarding the king's selection?**

Answer: No, Israel's historical record shows a mixed and often tragic pattern of disobedience to this command. While the initial kings, Saul and David, were indeed chosen by the LORD and were Israelites, subsequent history saw significant deviations. For instance, [Solomon](/1_kings/11-1-8 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Foreign Wives and Idolatry") famously married many foreign wives, which directly led him to introduce idolatry into Israel, violating the spirit of the law against foreign influence and compromising the nation's covenantal purity. Later, many kings of both Judah and Israel were not chosen by clear divine appointment but ascended to the throne through political intrigue, assassination, or dynastic succession without explicit divine sanction. These kings often led the nation further into sin and idolatry, demonstrating the consequences of neglecting God's prescribed standards for leadership. The prophet Samuel's warning in [1 Samuel 8](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King") also highlights the dangers of seeking a king "like all the nations," rather than fully trusting in God's ideal and His chosen method.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 17:15 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and reign of Jesus Christ, the true King of Israel and the King of kings. He is the one "whom the LORD thy God shall choose," being the beloved Son eternally chosen by the Father to reign, as affirmed at His baptism and transfiguration. Unlike the earthly kings who often failed to meet the divine standard, Jesus perfectly embodies the ideal monarch. He is indeed "one from among thy brethren," fully sharing in our humanity, born of the lineage of David and Abraham ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")). The book of Hebrews powerfully emphasizes that [He "had to be made like His brethren in all things"](/hebrews/2-17 "Hebrews 2:17 - Jesus Made Like His Brethren") to serve as our merciful and faithful High Priest, demonstrating His profound solidarity with humanity and His intimate understanding of our struggles. Crucially, Jesus is definitively "not a stranger." While fully divine, He is not an alien ruler imposing an external will; rather, He is Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Prophecy of Emmanuel")), intimately acquainted with our struggles and temptations ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Understands Our Weaknesses")). His kingdom is not of this world, yet it is established on earth through His righteous rule and the transformation of hearts ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")). He perfectly fulfills the Deuteronomic law by upholding God's covenant, leading His people in truth and righteousness, and establishing an eternal kingdom of peace and justice, as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Kingdom and Reign"). Jesus is the divinely chosen, perfectly human, and eternally righteous King whom Israel, and indeed all creation, truly needed and still needs.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 30:21

And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who [is] this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the LORD.

1 Chronicles 22:10

He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I [will be] his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.

1 Chronicles 12:23

¶ And these [are] the numbers of the bands [that were] ready armed to the war, [and] came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.

1 Samuel 10:24

And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that [there is] none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.

1 Samuel 9:15

Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,

1 Samuel 9:17

And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.

1 Samuel 16:12

And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he.