Long live the King! is more than an expression of loyalty, it’s a blessing that each king desperately needs. Prophets outlived kings, explains the Talmud, because power and authority “buries its bearers.” When one is above the people, one’s time on earth is cut short, so says Rashi. Hizkuni find this idea in this week’s parasha: …so that the king may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this teaching…so that his heart be not haughty over his brothers… and that he may long endure in his kingship (Devarim 17:18-20). One of the secrets to a long life is to be with other people and not above them.