Deuteronômio 17:17 Halacá: Mishneh Torah, Kings and Wars, Mishneh Torah, Negative Mitzvot & Sefer HaChinukh

"He must not have too many women" (Deut. 17:17). By Tradition we have learned that he may have up to eighteen women including wives²¹Those with a marriage contract. and concubines²²Those without a marriage contract.. Were he to add even one and have intercourse with her, he is given stripes. He may divorce one and marry another one in her place.

He must not amass too much silver and gold for his treasury in order to be proud about it or for his enjoyment. He may only have as much as he needs to pay his soldiers, servants and attendants. However, it is a Mitzvoh to increase the coffers of the Temple Treasury. Any extra silver and gold is to be ready for use for the public needs and their wars. The prohibition only forbids him from increasing his own wealth in his own treasury, as it says, “and he shall not increase for himself” (Deut. 17:17). He is given stripes if he increase his riches.

The king must not drink himself drunk, as it says, “not for kings is the drinking of wine” (Proverbs 31:4). Rather, he must be engaged in Torah and the needs of Israel, day and night, as it says, “and it shall be with him, and he shall read from it all the days of his life” (Deut. 17:19).