ESV Reformation Study Bible – Deut 17:14–17
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Deut 17:14–17

17:14–17 The reference to “a king” (v. 14) is conditional, and need not imply that the text was written when a king ruled Israel, although critics have argued that with its reference to horses, wives, and wealth, the section refers to Solomon and was written long after him by one of his detractors. There was no king in Moses’ time, but the future possibility of such a ruler was obvious, since every known ancient nation had a king, and an Israelite king was even predicted in Gen. 49:10. That Israel might have a king was never denied, although it was stated most emphatically that God was their King (33:5). In addition, v. 15 warns against choosing a foreign king, a stipulation that cannot be directed against Solomon and his successors, who were native Israelites.