1 Samuel 8:17

17 He will take a tenth of your flocks. And 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 take a tenth of your grain and of your grapes for his court officers and other officials.

16 He will take your servants and your best cattle and donkeys, and make them work for him.

17 He will take a tenth of your flocks. And you yourselves will become his slaves.

18 When that time comes, you will complain bitterly because of your king, whom you yourselves chose, but the Lord will not listen to your complaints."

19 The people paid no attention to Samuel, but said, "No! We want a king,