1 Samuel 8:17

17 He will take one-tenth of your flocks, and then you yourselves will become his slaves!

1 Samuel 8:17 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 8:17

He will take the tenth of your sheep
As well as of their seed and vineyards; and not the tithe of their flocks only, but of their herds also, which are here included, as Kimchi observes:

and ye shall be his servants:
made slaves of by him, even as the Canaanitish servants were, according to Abarbinel; though others interpret it more mildly of their being obliged to pay tribute and taxes, for the support of his government.

1 Samuel 8:17 In-Context

15 He will give one-tenth of your grain and your vineyards to his officials and servants.

16 He will take your male and female servants, along with the best of your cattle and donkeys, and make them do his work.

17 He will take one-tenth of your flocks, and then you yourselves will become his slaves!

18 When that day comes, you will cry out because of the king you chose for yourselves, but on that day the LORD won't answer you."

19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel and said, "No! There must be a king over us