How many wives may a king take in total (wives and concubines combined)?
The Oral Tradition limits a king to 18 wives and concubines combined. Taking an additional one and having relations with her makes him liable for lashes.
Question 2
What is the king's Torah scroll prohibited from?
The king's personal scroll accompanies him everywhere — to war, in court, at meals. It may only be set aside when entering a lavatory, bathhouse, or similar undignified space.
Question 3
What is permitted when a king's command conflicts with a mitzvah?
The Rambam is explicit: 'Whose words take precedence — the Master's or the servant's?' God's word (mitzvah) always supersedes a king's decree.
Question 4
What is the king's authority regarding murderers whose guilt is not fully proven?
When the evidence is insufficient for Sanhedrin conviction, the king may execute murderers to maintain social order and deter evil — this is part of his authority to 'repair the world.'
Question 5
The Torah's prohibition 'he shall not multiply for himself' (wealth) applies specifically to:
The king may not hoard personal wealth for pride or glory. However, accumulating wealth for the Temple treasury and public war needs is actually a mitzvah to increase.