1 Samuel 8:16
And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְֽאֶת
H853
וְֽאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שִׁפְח֨וֹתֵיכֶ֜ם
and your maidservants
H8198
שִׁפְח֨וֹתֵיכֶ֜ם
and your maidservants
Strong's:
H8198
Word #:
4 of 12
a female slave (as a member of the household)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּחֽוּרֵיכֶ֧ם
young men
H970
בַּחֽוּרֵיכֶ֧ם
young men
Strong's:
H970
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)
הַטּוֹבִ֛ים
and your goodliest
H2896
הַטּוֹבִ֛ים
and your goodliest
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
7 of 12
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יִקָּ֑ח
And he will take
H3947
יִקָּ֑ח
And he will take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
10 of 12
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
Historical Context
Corvee labor (forced work for the state) was a standard practice throughout the ancient Near East. Solomon's labor conscription (1 Kings 5:13-18; 9:15-22) eventually provoked the northern tribes' revolt. The specification of donkeys rather than horses indicates ordinary agricultural households rather than wealthy families.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Exodus-reversal theme in this passage illuminate the danger of exchanging divine freedom for human security?
- What forms of "bondage" do people voluntarily accept today in exchange for perceived benefits?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.
The conscription now extends beyond family members to household servants and livestock. The Hebrew "avadim" and "shiphchot" (menservants and maidservants) were not merely employees but integral members of the household economy, often for life. Their requisition would devastate families' productive capacity. "Bachurim" (young men, here rendered "goodliest") in the prime of strength will be diverted from family enterprises to royal projects. Even donkeys ("chamorim")—the primary beasts of burden for ordinary Israelites—will be commandeered. The phrase "put them to his work" (Hebrew "melakhto") echoes the language of Egypt's slave labor, creating an unmistakable parallel: Israel seeks a king to be like other nations, but other nations' kings make their people serve like Israel once served Pharaoh. The very deliverance God accomplished at the Exodus will be reversed by the institution they now demand.