Albert Barnes Commentary Deuteronomy 17:14

"When thou art come unto the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are round about me;" — Deuteronomy 17:14 (ASV)

No encouragement is given to the desire, natural to Eastern peoples, for monarchical government; but neither is such desire blamed, as appears from the fact that conditions are immediately laid down under which it may be satisfied. Compare the marginal references.