Definition: And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put [them] to his work.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Samuel 8:16. It’s a really significant and dramatic passage in the Bible that describes a pivotal moment in David’s relationship with God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: David is desperately asking God to appoint his servants, maidservants, and young men to serve him as his ministers. He's essentially pleading for a massive, powerful team to help him rule and lead the kingdom of Israel. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he will take your…” : This means David is asking God to select a group of people – not just anyone. He’s focusing on individuals who are important, capable, and likely to be loyal to him. “…menservants, and maidservants, and goodliest young men…” : This lists the specific types of people he wants to have working for him. “Goodliest” suggests someone of high status and perhaps a bit more influential. The word "menservants" is a bit archaic but refers to servants – essentially laborers. “…asses…” : This is where it gets a little tricky, and it’s important to understand the context. “Asses” in this biblical language referred to donkeys . Donkeys were often used for carrying things and were considered less valuable than horses. The Key Significance – It's about Power & Submission: This verse is incredibly important because it shows David’s growing desire for absolute power and control. God, in response to David's request, actually fulfills his wish by sending a team of these people to serve him. It’s a significant step towards the beginning of David’s rule and establishes that he's moving away from being a king who relies on advisors and is now becoming a powerful leader in his own right. Important Note: The exact meaning and context of this verse have been debated by scholars for centuries, but it represents a crucial moment in the story of Israelite history – David’s growing power and his relationship with God. --- Do you want me to explain anything more specifically? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the historical context surrounding this verse? Explain why this passage is significant for understanding the development of David's character?