Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 4: The King’s Rights and Authority
Halacha 1 – Power to Levy Taxes
The king may levy taxes on the nation for his needs or for war. He may impose duties on merchandise, and it is forbidden to evade payment. He may decree that non-payers have property seized or be executed. These rights are derived from I Samuel 8:17 and Deuteronomy 20:11, and his statutes in these matters are binding law.
Halacha 2 – Conscription of Soldiers
The king may take valiant men from across Israel to serve as soldiers for his chariots and cavalry. He may appoint them as bodyguards and runners before his chariot, as stated in I Samuel 8:11. He may also take the choicest young men as attendants.
Halacha 3 – Employment of Craftsmen and Servants
The king may take craftsmen for his work and must pay their wages. He may also take beasts, servants, and maids for his tasks, paying their hire or value, as described in I Samuel 8:12–16.
Halacha 4 – Wives and Concubines
The king may take wives and concubines from all of Israel. Wives are acquired through kiddushin and ketubah; concubines through yichud alone. Relations are permitted after yichud. A commoner may not have a concubine except in the case of a Hebrew maidservant designated by her master. The king may assign concubines as cooks, bakers, and perfumers.
Halacha 5 – Appointment of Officers
The king may appoint those fit for leadership as officers over thousands and fifties, as stated in I Samuel 8:12.
Halacha 6 – Use of Fields and Vineyards
The king may take fields, olive groves, and vineyards for his servants during war if they lack sustenance, but he must pay for what is taken, as stated in I Samuel 8:14.
Halacha 7 – Tithes for the King
The king is entitled to a tenth of seed, orchards, and newborn animals, as stated in I Samuel 8:16–17.
Halacha 8 – Messianic King’s Land Portion
The Messianic king receives a thirteenth portion of all lands conquered by Israel as a permanent inheritance for him and his descendants.
Halacha 9 – Spoils and Property of the Executed
Property of those executed by the king belongs to him. Treasures of conquered kings also belong to him. Other spoils are divided: the king takes half first; the other half is split equally between combat soldiers and those guarding the baggage, as in I Samuel 30:24.
Halacha 10 – Ownership of Conquered Lands
All conquered lands belong to the king. He may distribute them to his servants and soldiers as he wishes and keep the remainder. His rulings in these matters are binding.
