He will take a tenth of your flocksThis phrase highlights the practice of taxation or tribute that a king would impose on his subjects. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a tenth, or tithe, was a common form of taxation, often used to support the king's court and military. This mirrors the tithe that Israelites were already familiar with, as they were commanded to give a tenth of their produce to support the Levites and the temple (
Leviticus 27:30-32). The demand for a tenth of the flocks signifies the king's authority over the people's resources, contrasting with the theocratic system where God was the direct ruler. This imposition foreshadows the burdensome rule of future kings, such as Solomon, who heavily taxed and conscripted labor from the Israelites (
1 Kings 12:4).
and you yourselves will become his slaves
This phrase warns of the loss of freedom and autonomy under a monarchical system. Historically, kings in the ancient world often conscripted their subjects for labor, military service, or other duties, effectively reducing them to servitude. This warning is prophetic, as seen in the reign of Solomon, where the people were subjected to forced labor (1 Kings 5:13-14). Theologically, this serves as a caution against rejecting God's direct rule in favor of human leadership, which can lead to oppression and loss of liberty. This also reflects the broader biblical theme of slavery to sin versus freedom in God, as seen in the New Testament (Romans 6:16-18). The Israelites' desire for a king, despite this warning, illustrates the human tendency to seek security in earthly systems rather than in divine provision.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SamuelThe last judge of Israel, a prophet who anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. He is delivering God's warning to the Israelites about the consequences of demanding a king.
2.
IsraelitesThe people of Israel who demanded a king to rule over them like other nations, rejecting God's direct rule.
3.
KingThe future monarch that the Israelites are demanding, who will impose taxes and conscription, as warned by Samuel.
4.
FlocksRepresents the wealth and livelihood of the Israelites, which will be taxed by the king.
5.
SlaveryThe condition that Samuel warns will result from the Israelites' demand for a king, indicating loss of freedom and increased burden.
Teaching Points
The Cost of Rejecting God's RuleThe Israelites' demand for a king symbolizes a rejection of God's direct leadership. This decision comes with significant costs, including loss of freedom and increased burdens. Believers today must consider the implications of choosing worldly solutions over divine guidance.
The Nature of Human AuthorityHuman authority, as illustrated by the king's demands, often leads to exploitation and servitude. This serves as a reminder to evaluate the nature of leadership and authority in our lives, ensuring it aligns with God's principles.
Stewardship and TrustThe taking of a tenth of the flocks signifies a loss of resources and trust. Christians are called to be good stewards of their resources, trusting God rather than earthly systems for provision and security.
Consequences of ChoicesThe Israelites' choice to have a king led to long-term consequences. This teaches us the importance of seeking God's will in our decisions, understanding that our choices have lasting impacts.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 8:17?
2.How does 1 Samuel 8:17 illustrate the consequences of rejecting God's kingship?
3.What parallels exist between 1 Samuel 8:17 and modern governmental demands?
4.How can we apply 1 Samuel 8:17 to resist worldly pressures today?
5.How does 1 Samuel 8:17 connect with Jesus' teachings on servanthood?
6.What lessons from 1 Samuel 8:17 can guide our stewardship of resources?
7.Why did God allow Israel to have a king despite the warnings in 1 Samuel 8:17?
8.How does 1 Samuel 8:17 reflect on the nature of human authority and power?
9.What does 1 Samuel 8:17 reveal about the Israelites' relationship with God?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 8?
11.What does 'your rod and staff comfort me' mean?
12.How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?
13.How do the ominous predictions about a king’s behavior (1 Samuel 8:11–18) align with the notion of a divinely sanctioned ruler?
14.How does Deuteronomy 17:14-20's endorsement of a human king align with 1 Samuel 8's warning against monarchy, and are these texts contradictory?What Does 1 Samuel 8:17 Mean
He will take• God warns through Samuel that a king will not merely govern; he will claim the right to seize what belongs to the people.
• The phrase echoes1 Samuel 8:11–16, where the future king “will take” sons, daughters, fields, vineyards, and servants. The repetition intensifies the certainty of royal expropriation.
• Israel is trading the direct rule of the LORD (Judges 8:23) for a human ruler like the surrounding nations (1 Samuel 8:5). That ruler will demand allegiance in tangible ways, just as Pharaoh did inExodus 1:13–14.
a tenth• “A tenth” is language normally reserved for what belongs to God (Leviticus 27:30;Numbers 18:21). Here the king appropriates a portion comparable to the tithe, signaling that he will compete with God for the people’s resources.
• Earlier in the warning, the king also claims “a tenth of your grain and vintage” (1 Samuel 8:15). This steady taxation foreshadows Solomon’s heavy levies that later provoke rebellion (1 Kings 12:4).
• The detail is literal: monarchs in the Ancient Near East commonly imposed a 10% tax. Scripture affirms that this will be an unavoidable cost of rejecting divine kingship (Deuteronomy 17:14–17).
of your flocks• Flocks—sheep and goats—are central to Israel’s livelihood (Genesis 13:5;Psalm 23:1). Losing even a portion threatens family stability.
• By specifying flocks, the text underscores that the king’s reach extends into everyday subsistence, not just luxury goods (Amos 7:15).
• David himself later confirms this reality when he drafts shepherds like Doeg the Edomite (1 Samuel 21:7) into royal service.
and you yourselves will become his slaves• The warning moves from property to personal freedom. Conscription of labor is already listed in1 Samuel 8:11–12; now the relationship is labeled plainly: “slaves.”
• Under Solomon, Israel experiences forced labor for state projects (1 Kings 5:13–14; 9:15). When Rehoboam refuses to lighten that burden, the kingdom fractures (1 Kings 12:16).
• Spiritually, any authority that displaces God becomes a master (Romans 6:16). Choosing human rule over divine rule leads to bondage, just as Egypt once did (Leviticus 25:42).
summary1 Samuel 8:17 shows God’s people what happens when they insist on a human king: he will claim God-like rights over their wealth, livelihood, and even their persons. The verse stands as a sober, literal forecast—later fulfilled in Israel’s history—that earthly rulers, unlike the LORD, inevitably take rather than give.
(17)
And ye shall be his servants.--This statement generally includes all that has gone before. In other words, "Ye elders and chiefs of the people must make up your minds, in the event of electing a king, to the loss of all political and social freedom." How bitterly the nation, even in the successful and glorious reign of King Solomon, felt the pressure of the royal yoke, so truly foretold by their last judge, is shown in the history of the times which followed the death of Solomon, when the public discontent at the brilliant but despotic rule of the great king led to the revolution which split up the people into two nations. (See
1Kings 12:4.) "This whole passage bears internal evidence of having been written before the establishment of the monarchy."--
Speaker's Commentary.Verse 17. -
His servants. Literally, "his slaves." Under an absolute monarchy no one is flee.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He will take a tenthיַעְשֹׂ֑ר(ya‘·śōr)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6237:To tithe, to take, give a, tenthof your flocks,צֹאנְכֶ֖ם(ṣō·nə·ḵem)Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 6629:Small cattle, sheep and goats, flockand you yourselvesוְאַתֶּ֖ם(wə·’at·tem)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youwill becomeתִּֽהְיוּ־(tih·yū-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, behisל֥וֹ(lōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrewslaves.לַעֲבָדִֽים׃(la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5650:Slave, servant
Links
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OT History: 1 Samuel 8:17 He will take the tenth of your (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) 
