Jewish Kings

Can you tell me about the status of a Jewish King?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

The status of a Jewish king is indeed unique, and probably unlike the image of a king that most of us might have thought.

A Jewish king was appointed in cooperation with the Sanhedrin, the supreme religious court of 70 sages. Often the acting Prophet at the time was involved in the decision, as well.

The Jewish king must be a male who was born to a Jewish mother. One who had ever worked in a degrading profession, such as a barber, or garbage collector, was disqualified from ever becoming a king. The king’s firstborn son generally became the next king when the current king passed away.

The king must ensure not to become arrogant. He is to be compassionate and speak gently– to everyone, even children. A king is not allowed to get drunk. As a general rule, a king must be from the tribe of Yehuda, though there were some exceptions in history. A Jewish king is obligated to get a haircut every day and ensure that his appearance is always dignified. He is not permitted to forgo any of the honors that are due to him.

We are obligated to honor and fear the king. No one is allowed to make use of any of the king’s possessions such as to ride on his horse or sit on his throne, or even to marry his wife. In fact, when a king dies, all his clothes were burned to ensure that no one would make use of them. One is required to bow down to a king when appearing before him.  A king must have two Torah scrolls in his possession. One of these Torahs was kept in the palace treasury while the other was with him at all times. He  is not to amass more horses than he truly needs to nor should he amass too much money, either. A king may not have more than eighteen wives, including concubines.

One recites a special blessing when seeing a king whether Jewish or non-Jewish to acknowledge that God impartssome of His greatness into certain human beings.

Based on Rambam, Hilchot Melachim Chapters 1-3.