1 Samuel 8:17

17 "He will take a tenth of your sheep and goats. 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 a tenth of your grapes. He'll give it to his officials and attendants.

16 He will also take your male and female servants. He'll take your best cattle and donkeys. He'll use all of them any way he wants to.

17 "He will take a tenth of your sheep and goats. You yourselves will become his slaves.

18 "When that time comes, you will cry out for help because of the king you have chosen. But the LORD won't answer you at that time."

19 In spite of what Samuel said, the people refused to listen to him. "No!" they said. "We want a king to rule over us.