The Lord knew there would be a day when Israel would desire to have a king rule over them (1 Sam. 8:4-22). With that in mind, the Lord gave Israel certain requirements for their future king (Deut. 17:14-20). The requirements of the king have great spiritual significance. Let’s take a closer look at a few them.
First, the king must be chosen of the Lord. Israel wasn’t to choose some random man to be their king. Only the Lord would be able to chose and ordain their would-be leader. Friends, don’t allow unqualified people to speak into your life. God has set forth godly principles for leaders. Only allow spiritually qualified people to lead you.
Second, the king must be a Hebrew, and not a stranger. It was important that Israel’s king be one of their own. A stranger wouldn’t know their God or His laws. Furthermore, a stranger wouldn’t understand their lifestyle. Too many people allow strange things into their lives. This is due to the fact that they allow strange people to influence them. Follow people who know your God, and know His Word.
Another command for kings I’d like to look at concerns the king not acquiring horses. What a strange command! Are horses dangerous? Are horses considered evil? Why in the world would God command such a requirement? The answer is right before us: “He must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again’” (Deut. 17:16). The issue wasn’t with horses, the problem was where you had to go in order to acquire one! Egypt, at that time, was the only place you could buy a horse. The Lord had freed Israel from Egypt, and He didn’t want them going back. Not even for a horse!
Beloved, avoid the world at all costs. If the Lord delivered you from sin and the world, then you don’t have any reason to go back to it. Even if it’s for something as insignificant as a horse.