God in this Scripture passage instructed the Israelites on what would qualify anyone who would be chosen to be king over the people when they came into Canaan, the promised land. The first standard is that such a person would be chosen from among them (vs. 15-17).

Secondly, such a person, when he assumes the position of king, must not use his position to amass wealth for himself and cause the people to return to Egypt. In other words, he must not turn the people’s heart to worldly pleasures above the knowledge of God.

Thirdly, he must ensure that the Word of God is continually before the eyes of the people; to always meditate on it, and ensure their hearts remain focused on God. And particularly, that the king’s “heart is not lifted above his brethren” (v. 20).

The summary of the lesson one can draw from this Scripture is that any position of leadership is for service; the leader is a servant. This is the point Jesus Christ stressed in Matt. 20: 20-28.

If you look around, you will discover that much of what is paraded as leadership in our society – government, communities, churches, companies – does not reflect God’s expectation of leadership.