1 Samuel 8:17

17 He can take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves can become his servants.

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 can take a tenth of your grain and your vineyards and give them to his officials and servants.

16 He can take your male servants, your female servants, your best young men, and your donkeys and use them for his work.

17 He can take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves can become his servants.

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

19 The people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We must have a king over us.