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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 8:12 He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, to make his weapons of war, and to equip his chariots.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/8-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/09_1Sa_08_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 8:12 - Samuel's Warning" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, to make his weapons of war, and to equip his chariots." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and <i>will set them</i> to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He will appoint captains over his thousands and captains over his fifties, <i>will set some</i> to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and <i>some</i> to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and <i>some</i> to do his plowing and to gather in his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220He will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and of fifties, and some to do his plowing and to reap his harvest and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and of fifties, and <i>some</i> to do his plowing and to reap his harvest and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and of fifties, and <i>some</i> to do his plowing and to reap his harvest and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He will appoint them for himself to be commanders over thousands and over fifties, and <i>some</i> to do his plowing and to reap his harvest and to make his implements of war and equipment for his chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He can appoint them for his use as commanders of thousands or commanders of fifties, to plow his ground and reap his harvest, or to make his weapons of war and the equipment for his chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He can appoint them for his use as commanders of thousands or commanders of fifties, to plow his ground or reap his harvest, or to make his weapons of war or the equipment for his chariots. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and he will appoint them unto him for captains of thousands, and captains of fifties; and he will set some to plow his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and the instruments of his chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Some of them will be officers in charge of 1,000 soldiers, and others will be in charge of 50. Still others will have to farm the king's land and harvest his crops, or make weapons and parts for his chariots. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and he will appoint them unto him for captains of thousands and captains of fifties; and he will set some to plow his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and the instruments of his chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He will appoint them to be his officers over 1,000 or over 50 soldiers, to plow his ground and harvest his crops, and to make weapons and equipment for his chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He will make some of them officers in charge of a thousand men, and others in charge of fifty men. Your sons will have to plow his fields, harvest his crops, and make his weapons and the equipment for his chariots. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He will appoint his officers over thousands and officers over fifties—some will plow his fields, reap his harvest, and craft his war implements and equipment for his chariots. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He will appoint for himself leaders of thousands and leaders of fifties, as well as those who plow his ground, reap his harvest, and make his weapons of war and his chariot equipment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands, and commanders of fifties; and he will assign some to plow his ground, and to reap his harvest, and gather his vintage, and to make his implements of war, and the equipment of his chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to till his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He will appoint them to him for captains of thousands and captains of fifties; and he will assign some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest; and to make his instruments of war and the instruments of his chariots. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />also to appoint for himself heads of thousands, and heads of fifties; also to plow his plowing, and to reap his reaping; and to make instruments of his war, and instruments of his charioteer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> also to appoint for himself heads of thousands, and heads of fifties; also to plow his plowing, and to reap his reaping; and to make instruments of his war, and instruments of his charioteer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And to set to himself captains of thousands and captains of fifties; and to plough his ploughing and to reap his harvest, and to do all his fighting and all his chariots.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he will appoint of them to be his tribunes, and centurions, and to plough his fields, and to reap his corn, and to make him arms and chariots. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he will appoint them to be his tribunes and centurions, and the plowmen of his fields, and the harvesters of the grain, and the makers of his weapons and chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He will appoint from among them his commanders of thousands and of hundreds. He will make them do his plowing and harvesting and produce his weapons of war and chariotry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he will appoint for himself officers of thousands and officers of hundreds and officers of fifties and officers of tens. And they shall plow his ground and reap his harvest and make his implements of war and instruments for his chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he will make for himself Chiefs of thousands and Chiefs of hundreds and Chiefs of fifties and Chiefs of tens, and they will plow his field and they will harvest his harvest and they will make the weapons of his war and the implements of his chariots<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he will appoint them unto him for captains of thousands, and captains of fifties; and to plow his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and the instruments of his chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />and <i>his manner shall be</i> to make them to himself captains of hundreds and captains of thousands; and to reap his harvest, and gather his vintage, and prepare his instruments of war, and the implements of his chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/8-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=1921" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/8.htm">Samuel's Warning</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to his own chariots and horses, to run in front of his chariots. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: wə·lā·śūm (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">He will appoint</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">some for himself</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śā·rê (N-mpc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">as commanders</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’ă·lā·p̄îm (Number-mp) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">of thousands</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: wə·śā·rê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">and of</a> <a href="/hebrew/2572.htm" title="2572: ḥă·miš·šîm (Number-cp) -- Fifty. Multiple of chamesh; fifty.">fifties,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2790.htm" title="2790: wə·la·ḥă·rōš (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To cut in, engrave, plow, devise.">and others to plow</a> <a href="/hebrew/2758.htm" title="2758: ḥă·rî·šōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A plowing, plowing time. From charash; ploughing or its season.">his ground,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7114.htm" title="7114: wə·liq·ṣōr (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To dock off, curtail, to harvest. A primitive root; to dock off, i.e. Curtail; especially to harvest.">to reap</a> <a href="/hebrew/7105.htm" title="7105: qə·ṣî·rōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- From qatsar; severed, i.e. Harvest, the crop, the time, the reaper, or figuratively; also a limb.">his harvest,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: wə·la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">to make</a> <a href="/hebrew/3627.htm" title="3627: kə·lê- (N-mpc) -- An article, utensil, vessel. From kalah; something prepared, i.e. Any apparatus.">his weapons</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: mil·ḥam·tōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">of war,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3627.htm" title="3627: ū·ḵə·lê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- An article, utensil, vessel. From kalah; something prepared, i.e. Any apparatus.">and to equip</a> <a href="/hebrew/7393.htm" title="7393: riḵ·bōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- From rakab; a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e. The upper millstone.">his chariots.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-14.htm">Deuteronomy 17:14-20</a></span><br />When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, “Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,” / you are to appoint over yourselves the king whom the LORD your God shall choose. Appoint a king from among your brothers; you are not to set over yourselves a foreigner who is not one of your brothers. / But the king must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/9-22.htm">1 Kings 9:22</a></span><br />But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">1 Kings 12:4</a></span><br />“Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm">1 Kings 4:7</a></span><br />Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-27.htm">1 Kings 4:27</a></span><br />Each month the governors in turn provided food for King Solomon and all who came to his table. They saw to it that nothing was lacking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/5-13.htm">1 Kings 5:13-14</a></span><br />Then King Solomon conscripted a labor force of 30,000 men from all Israel. / He sent them to Lebanon in monthly shifts of 10,000 men, so that they would spend one month in Lebanon and two months at home. And Adoniram was in charge of the forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-10.htm">1 Kings 12:10-11</a></span><br />The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! / Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/21-7.htm">1 Kings 21:7-10</a></span><br />But his wife Jezebel said to him, “Do you not reign over Israel? Get up, eat some food, and be cheerful, for I will get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” / Then Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city. / In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-24.htm">2 Samuel 20:24</a></span><br />Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/10-4.htm">2 Chronicles 10:4</a></span><br />“Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/10-10.htm">2 Chronicles 10:10-11</a></span><br />The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! / Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-28</a></span><br />But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/10-42.htm">Mark 10:42-45</a></span><br />So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-25.htm">Luke 22:25-27</a></span><br />So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. / For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-13.htm">John 13:13-17</a></span><br />You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. / So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. / I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.</p><p class="hdg">appoint</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/27-1.htm">1 Chronicles 27:1-22</a></b></br> Now the children of Israel after their number, <i>to wit</i>, the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course <i>were</i> twenty and four thousand… </p><p class="hdg">and will set</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm">1 Kings 4:7,22,23,27,28</a></b></br> And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/32-28.htm">2 Chronicles 32:28,29</a></b></br> Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-36.htm">Assign</a> <a href="/judges/21-23.htm">Building</a> <a href="/judges/5-14.htm">Captains</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">Chariots</a> <a href="/judges/5-14.htm">Commanders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-14.htm">Cutting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-9.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-13.htm">Equipment</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-13.htm">Harvest</a> <a href="/ruth/2-17.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/genesis/49-5.htm">Implements</a> <a href="/judges/18-11.htm">Instruments</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-29.htm">Making</a> <a href="/1_samuel/5-5.htm">Others</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-10.htm">Plough</a> <a href="/judges/14-18.htm">Ploughing</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-10.htm">Plow</a> <a href="/exodus/34-21.htm">Plowing</a> <a href="/ruth/2-9.htm">Reap</a> <a href="/joshua/22-30.htm">Thousands</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-1.htm">War</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">War-Carriages</a> <a href="/judges/18-17.htm">Weapons</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-9.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/8-22.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/job/22-24.htm">Assign</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-9.htm">Building</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-7.htm">Captains</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">Chariots</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-30.htm">Commanders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-17.htm">Cutting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-22.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-21.htm">Equipment</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-17.htm">Harvest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-38.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/amos/1-3.htm">Implements</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-21.htm">Instruments</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-12.htm">Making</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-23.htm">Others</a> <a href="/job/4-8.htm">Plough</a> <a href="/job/1-14.htm">Ploughing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-14.htm">Plow</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-19.htm">Plowing</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-29.htm">Reap</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">Thousands</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-20.htm">War</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-6.htm">War-Carriages</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-7.htm">Weapons</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-16.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/8-1.htm">By occasion of the ill government of Samuel's sons, the Israelites ask a king</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm">Samuel praying in grief is comforted by God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/8-10.htm">He tells the manner of a king</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/8-19.htm">God wills Samuel to yield unto the importunity of the people</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties</b><br>This phrase reflects the hierarchical military structure common in ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel. The appointment of commanders over thousands and fifties indicates a well-organized army, which was necessary for both defense and expansion. This structure is also seen in <a href="/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21</a>, where Moses is advised to appoint leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens to help govern the people. The centralization of power under a king, as described here, contrasts with the previous tribal confederation led by judges. This shift marks a significant change in Israel's governance, moving towards a monarchy like surrounding nations.<p><b>and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest</b><br>This part of the verse highlights the economic demands a king would place on the people. The conscription of labor for agricultural purposes indicates that the king would require resources to sustain his court and military. This reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where agriculture was the backbone of the economy. The mention of plowing and reaping also connects to the covenantal blessings and curses in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>, where agricultural prosperity is tied to obedience to God. The king's demands could lead to a burden on the people, as seen later in the reign of Solomon (<a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">1 Kings 12:4</a>), where heavy labor and taxes led to discontent.<p><b>and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots</b><br>This phrase underscores the militaristic focus of a monarchy. The production of weapons and chariots was essential for maintaining a strong defense and asserting power. Chariots, in particular, were a symbol of military might and technological advancement in the ancient world, as seen in the Egyptian and Canaanite armies. The reference to making weapons and chariots also foreshadows the militarization of Israel under kings like Saul and David. This reliance on military strength contrasts with earlier periods where Israel's victories were attributed to divine intervention rather than human might, as in the battle of Jericho (Joshua 6). The shift towards a king-led military reflects a desire to emulate other nations, which is a recurring theme in Israel's history.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a></b><br>The last judge of Israel, who is delivering God's message to the Israelites about the consequences of demanding a king.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of Israel who are requesting a king to lead them, like other nations.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/k/king.htm">King</a></b><br>The future monarch that the Israelites are demanding, which will lead to the described conscription and labor.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/commanders_of_thousands_and_fifties.htm">Commanders of Thousands and Fifties</a></b><br>Military leaders that the king will appoint, indicating a structured and hierarchical military system.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/l/laborers.htm">Laborers</a></b><br>Individuals who will be conscripted to work the king's fields and produce weapons, highlighting the burden of servitude under a monarchy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_authority.htm">Understanding Authority</a></b><br>Recognize that human authority, as seen in the demand for a king, often leads to burdens and servitude. Reflect on how we view and respond to authority in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite the Israelites' demand for a king, God remains sovereign. Trust in God's ultimate plan, even when human leadership seems flawed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_choices.htm">Consequences of Choices</a></b><br>The Israelites' choice to have a king led to specific consequences. Consider how our choices align with God's will and the potential outcomes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/servant_leadership.htm">Servant Leadership</a></b><br>Contrast the worldly view of leadership with the biblical model of servant leadership exemplified by Jesus. Aim to lead by serving others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_with_god's_provision.htm">Contentment with God's Provision</a></b><br>The Israelites' desire for a king stemmed from discontentment. Cultivate contentment with God's provision and guidance in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_foods_are_mentioned_in_the_bible.htm">What foods are mentioned in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_1_sam_12_14-15_contradict_deut_17.htm">Why does Samuel's speech in 1 Samuel 12:14-15 seem at odds with earlier promises of a king in Deuteronomy 17:14-20?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_2_sam_8_4_with_no_evidence.htm">How do we reconcile 2 Samuel 8:4 with the lack of archaeological evidence for such a large-scale chariot force?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_amalekites_reappear_in_1_sam_30.htm">If Saul reportedly destroyed the Amalekites earlier (1 Samuel 15), why do they reappear here in 1 Samuel 30?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">To ear his ground.</span>--To ear, that is, <span class= "ital">to plough. </span>The word is an old word (Anglo-Saxon <span class= "ital">earian</span>)<span class= "ital">, </span>and connected with the Latin <span class= "ital">arare.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Captains over thousands, and captains over fifties.</span> The largest and smallest divisions respectively of an Israelite, army. However objectionable the king's personal state might be, this would fall in with the people's wishes, for it would give them the promise of a well organised army. Not so the next clause, <span class="cmt_word">to ear</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> to plough - <span class="cmt_word">his ground.</span> Forced labour was one of the most unjust, oppressive, and wasteful exactions of absolute governments, and was the chief cause of the revolt of the ten tribes from Rehoboam (comp. <a href="/1_kings/5-13.htm">1 Kings 5:13-16</a>; <a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">1 Kings 12:4</a>). And yet it was the universal rule in ancient times, and in some countries it has continued even to the present day to be the law that the peasants must at certain seasons give their labour unpaid either to the proprietors or to the state. Naturally, for a nation of agriculturists to have to leave their own fields just when their presence at home was most needed to plough the king's ground and reap his harvest would be a bitter annoyance, because to the loss would be added a sense of wrong. How determinately a high-spirited nation like the Jews did resist this injustice we gather not merely from the indignation felt against Solomon's levies, but also from the reproach cast in Jehoiakim's teeth by Jeremiah, that "he used his neighbour's service without wages, and gave him not for his work" (<a href="/jeremiah/22-13.htm">Jeremiah 22:13</a>). <span class="cmt_word">To make his instruments of war.</span> Such work must be done; but in well organised states it is paid for by means of taxes, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> by a money compensation in place of personal service. In semi-barbarous states forced labour is used, and the national arsenals furnished at the greatest possible expense and vexation to those compelled to labour, and loss to the national resources. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/8-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He will appoint</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלָשׂ֣וּם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lā·śūm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">some for himself</span><br /><span class="heb">ל֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">as commanders</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂרֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(śā·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of thousands</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲלָפִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·lā·p̄îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> </span><span class="str2">A thousand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and of fifties,</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲמִשִּׁ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·miš·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2572.htm">Strong's 2572: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fifty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and others to plow</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלַחֲרֹ֤שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·la·ḥă·rōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2790.htm">Strong's 2790: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut in, engrave, plow, devise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his ground,</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲרִישׁוֹ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·rî·šōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2758.htm">Strong's 2758: </a> </span><span class="str2">A plowing, plowing time</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to reap</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלִקְצֹ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·liq·ṣōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7114.htm">Strong's 7114: </a> </span><span class="str2">To dock off, curtail, to harvest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his harvest,</span><br /><span class="heb">קְצִיר֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(qə·ṣî·rōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7105.htm">Strong's 7105: </a> </span><span class="str2">Severed, harvest, the crop, the time, the reaper, a limb</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and to make</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלַעֲשׂ֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his weapons</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּלֵֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kə·lê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3627.htm">Strong's 3627: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something prepared, any apparatus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of war</span><br /><span class="heb">מִלְחַמְתּ֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(mil·ḥam·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> </span><span class="str2">A battle, war</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and equip</span><br /><span class="heb">וּכְלֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḵə·lê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3627.htm">Strong's 3627: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something prepared, any apparatus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his chariots.</span><br /><span class="heb">רִכְבּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(riḵ·bōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7393.htm">Strong's 7393: </a> </span><span class="str2">A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/8-12.htm">1 Samuel 8:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/8-12.htm">1 Samuel 8:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/8-12.htm">1 Samuel 8:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/8-12.htm">1 Samuel 8:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/8-12.htm">1 Samuel 8:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/8-12.htm">1 Samuel 8:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/8-12.htm">1 Samuel 8:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/8-12.htm">1 Samuel 8:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/8-12.htm">1 Samuel 8:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/8-12.htm">1 Samuel 8:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/8-12.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 8:12 And he will appoint them to him (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 8:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 8:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/8-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 8:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 8:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>