The king had to be chosen by God himself. Therefore, the people of Israel were only to wait for God to choose for them a king.

The king had to be an Israelite by birth. They had to make their own people king but not a foreigner.

God forbade the king from having a large number of horses for his army. This implied that he had to rely on God's protection.

The king had to marry only a wife. Marrying many wives would make the king give his loyalty tom them and turn away from God.

God forbade the king of Israel from making himself rich especially with silver and gold. The king of Israel was required to have a copy of the book of God's laws and teachings made from the original copy.

The king would be required to marry only from within Israel. This meant that intermarriage was prohibited.

The king of Israel had to observe and maintain monotheism. He was required to worship only one God.

The king of Israel was required to show respect to and co-operate with other servants of God particularly his priests and his prophets.