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 grape harvest and give it to his officials and servants.

16 And he will take your menservants and maidservants and your best cattle and donkeys and put them to his own use.

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

18 When that day comes, you will beg for relief from the king you have chosen, but the LORD will not answer you on that day.”

19 Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We must have a king over us.