Deuteronomy 17:15 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If Israel chooses a king, he must be selected by God and be an Israelite, never a foreigner.
The Context of Deuteronomy 17:15
The king must be God-chosen and Israelite.
What Does Deuteronomy 17:15 Mean?
Two conditions bind Israel's kingship to the covenant. First, the king must be God's choice, not the people's autonomous selection. Second, he must be from among the Israelites—one of the covenant people, not a stranger or foreigner. Both restrictions keep the monarchy accountable to God and connected to the community.
This law prevents Israel from seeking a foreigner's dynastic advantage or creating a parallel loyalty structure. A foreign king might bring foreign gods, foreign laws, and divided loyalty. By requiring an Israelite chosen by God, the law protects the unity and faithfulness of the covenant.
Deuteronomy 17:15 in the Original Language
ach (אַךְ), 'in any wise' — surely, certainly; expressing the firmness and non-negotiability of the requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 17:15
What does Deuteronomy 17:15 mean?
If Israel chooses a king, he must be selected by God and be an Israelite, never a foreigner.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 17:15?
The king must be God-chosen and Israelite.