1 Samuel 8:17 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:4-22

We have here the starting of a matter perfectly new and surprising, which was the setting up of kingly government in Israel. Perhaps the thing had been often talked of among them by those that were given to change and affected that which looked great. But we do not find that it was ever till now publicly proposed and debated. Abimelech was little better than a titular king, though he is said to reign over Israel (Jdg. 9:22), and perhaps his fall had for a great while rendered the title of king... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible 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. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:10-22

Permitted, not approved. The facts are— 1 . Samuel points out to the people that their desired king will aggrandise himself at their expense, and that, once entering on their course, there will be no deliverance. 2 . The people, nevertheless, decide to have a king, and assign the motive of their preference. 3 . Samuel, on laying the matter before God, receives a command to make them a king. The question at issue was not whether this or that form of government was intrinsically... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:17

His servants. Literally, "his slaves." Under an absolute monarchy no one is flee. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 8:14-18

See illustrations in marginal references; 1 Kings 5:13-18; 1 Kings 12:4. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 8:16-18

1 Samuel 8:16-18. He will take your men-servants By constraint, and without sufficient recompense. Your goodliest young men The most beautiful and proper person she can find; and your asses, and put them to his work Either at the plough, or for carriage, or any other employment wherein he shall think they will be useful. And ye shall be his servants So subject to him, that if he please ye shall be no better than slaves, deprived of that liberty which you now enjoy. And ye shall cry... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:1-22

Click image for full-size version8:1-12:25 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MONARCHYThe people ask for a king (8:1-22)Israel’s history continued to follow the pattern set out in the book of Judges. Once the God-appointed judge (in this case, Samuel) was no longer able to exercise control over the nation (for Samuel was old and his sons who succeeded him as judges were worthless), the people turned from God and drifted into wrongdoing (8:1-3).In search for stability within the nation, the people asked... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 8:1-22

1. The demand for a king ch. 8The Israelites had pressed their leaders for a king at least twice in their past history. The first time was during Gideon’s judgeship (Judges 8:22), and the second was during Abimelech’s conspiracy (Judges 9:2). Now in Samuel’s judgeship they demanded one again. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 8:10-22

The consequences of requesting a king 8:10-22Samuel explained what having a king similar to all the nations would mean. The elders were interested in the functions of monarchy, but Samuel pointed out the nature of monarchy. It meant the loss of freedoms and possessions that the people presently enjoyed. In 1 Samuel 8:11-17, Samuel did not define the rights of a king but described the ways of most kings. [Note: G. Coleman Luck, "Israel’s Demand for a King," Bibliotheca Sacra 120:477... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 8:1-22

The People demand a King1. Judges] They would be subordinate to their father. When the son of a Judge was influential and popular, he might easily succeed to his father’s position: cp. A bimelech in Judges 9:1.5. Like all the nations] This was the sin of the people. God intended that they, unlike other nations, should be a peculiar people, governed directly by Himself.6. Displeased Samuel] They had shown themselves forgetful of their relation to God and ungrateful to Samuel himself. But in... read more