Definition: He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 8:17: “He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.” Basically, it means: God is going to ask King Saul to give a portion of his flock – his sheep – to him as an offering. In return for that, he’s going to make King Saul and his family his servants. Let's unpack it a bit more: “He will take the tenth…” : This is a specific instruction from God. It’s not just any amount; it’s a significant portion. “…of your sheep” : This refers to Saul’s entire flock – all of his sheep. “And ye shall be his servants.” : This is the key part. It signifies a new and important role for Saul. He'll now be responsible for serving God and obeying him, rather than ruling over his own people. What does this verse say about the relationship between God and Saul? This passage is often seen as a pivotal moment in Samuel’s story. It highlights: God's Sovereignty: It shows that God has ultimate authority and control over everything, even over his chosen king. Divine Favor: Giving a portion of the flock to God can be interpreted as God recognizing Saul’s worthiness – perhaps due to his loyalty or connection to the divine. Important Note: It's important to remember that this verse is part of a larger story about Israel's rebellion against God, and it sets the stage for the events that follow in 1 Samuel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Give you some deeper interpretations or symbolism related to this verse?