1 Samuel 8:17

17 He will take one-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 one-tenth of your grain and grapes and give it to his officers and servants.

16 He will take your male and female servants, your best cattle, and your donkeys and use them all for his own work.

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

18 When that time comes, you will cry out because of the king you chose. But the Lord will not answer you then."

19 But the people would not listen to Samuel. They said, "No! We want a king to rule over us.