King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 8:17 Mean?
“He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.”
Context
15
And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. officers: Heb. eunuchs
16
And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.
17
He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
18
And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.
19
Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(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.*
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Samuel 8:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.