1 Samuel 8:13

KJV

And he will take your daughters [to be] confectionaries, and [to be] cooks, and [to be] bakers.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he will take {H3947} your daughters {H1323} to be confectionaries {H7548}, and to be cooks {H2879}, and to be bakers {H644}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will take your daughters and have them be perfume-makers, cooks and bakers.

Berean Standard Bible

And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers.

American Standard Version

And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, and to be cooks, and to be bakers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 8:13 is a pivotal verse within Samuel's stark warning to the Israelites regarding the consequences of their demand for a human king. It specifically details one aspect of the king's oppressive rule: the conscription of their daughters into forced labor within the royal household, serving as perfumers, cooks, and bakers. This prophetic insight underscores the inherently burdensome and exploitative nature of human monarchy, contrasting sharply with God's benevolent and liberating rule, and highlights the profound loss of personal freedom and familial autonomy that would result from their rejection of divine kingship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Samuel's extended prophetic warning to the people of Israel, which commences in [1 Samuel 8:11](/1_samuel/8-11 "1 Samuel 8:11 - Samuel's Warning About the King's Practices") and continues through [1 Samuel 8:17](/1_samuel/8-17 "1 Samuel 8:17 - Samuel's Warning Continues"). This detailed warning is Samuel's direct response to Israel's fervent and insistent demand for a king, articulated earlier in [1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel Demands a King"), driven by a desire to "be like all the nations." God, in His conversation with Samuel, interprets this request as a profound rejection of His own kingship over them, as clearly stated in [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's Interpretation of Israel's Request"). Samuel's subsequent description of the "manner of the king" serves not as a prescriptive guide for royal conduct, but rather as a vivid, prophetic exposé of the exploitative practices and heavy burdens that a human monarch would inevitably impose upon the people, their resources, and their families, standing in stark contrast to the freedom and direct relationship they had previously enjoyed under God's theocratic rule.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, it was a common and often accepted practice for kings and their royal households to maintain extensive staffs, frequently through systems of conscription or forced labor. Monarchs in this era typically wielded absolute power, and the populace, including their children, were often considered resources at the king's disposal. The specific roles mentioned in the verse—confectionaries (more accurately, perfumers), cooks, and bakers—were indispensable for the maintenance of a luxurious and functioning royal court. Perfumers were highly skilled artisans, responsible for preparing costly oils, incense, and cosmetics, which were vital for royal hygiene, ceremonial anointing, and signifying social status. Cooks and bakers were tasked with feeding the king, his family, numerous officials, and guards, requiring considerable skill and a large, dedicated workforce. Samuel's warning, therefore, draws upon the known realities of monarchical rule in surrounding cultures, highlighting that Israel's desire to "be like all the nations" would inevitably lead to the adoption of these oppressive practices, representing a significant departure from their unique covenant relationship with God.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 8:13](/1_samuel/8-13 "1 Samuel 8:13 - The King's Appropriation of Daughters") contributes significantly to several overarching themes present in [1 Samuel 8](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King"). Firstly, it profoundly underscores the **Cost of Human Kingship**, revealing the heavy price Israel would pay for rejecting God's perfect governance in favor of a worldly system. Their desire for a king, driven by a longing for external conformity rather than divine guidance, would directly lead to burdens and oppression, as meticulously detailed throughout [1 Samuel 8:11-17](/1_samuel/8-11 "1 Samuel 8:11-17 - Samuel's Full Warning About the King"). Secondly, the verse highlights the profound **Loss of Autonomy and Freedom**. The king's authority would extend to demanding their children for his service, illustrating a significant erosion of personal and familial liberty—a stark contrast to the freedom experienced under God's direct and benevolent rule. Finally, it exemplifies **Divine Foresight and Warning**, as God, through Samuel, provides a clear and accurate prophecy of the future abuses of power by the kings of Israel, which indeed came to pass throughout their history, culminating in the people's lament as predicted in [1 Samuel 8:18](/1_samuel/8-18 "1 Samuel 8:18 - Israel's Future Regret").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** This primitive root verb (לָקַח) signifies to seize, acquire, or appropriate. In the context of 1 Samuel 8:13, it implies a forceful or compulsory act, rather than a voluntary exchange or employment. The king will not ask for daughters but will "take" them, highlighting the coercive power he will wield over his subjects and their families, treating them as resources at his disposal.
* **confectionaries (Hebrew, _raqqâchâh'_):** This feminine noun (רַקָּחָה) specifically denotes a "female perfumer" or "ointment maker." These individuals were skilled artisans responsible for preparing fragrant oils, incense, cosmetics, and perfumes. Their work was crucial for the king's personal care, ceremonial anointing, and contributing to the overall opulence and prestige of the royal court, signifying a specialized yet compulsory domestic service.
* **bakers (Hebrew, _ʼâphâh'_):** While the KJV translates this as "bakers," the Strong's H644 (אָפָה) refers to the primitive root verb "to bake" or "to cook." In this context, it refers to those who perform the act of baking—female bakers. Their primary responsibility was the production of bread and other baked goods, which formed a staple part of the royal diet. The constant demand for fresh provisions for the king, his family, and his court necessitated a dedicated and sizable team of bakers, illustrating another form of burdensome service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he will take your daughters":** This opening clause immediately establishes the king's absolute and coercive authority. The verb "take" (לָקַח, _laqach_) implies an act of seizure or appropriation, not a voluntary offering or employment. This signifies a profound loss of parental control and familial autonomy, as the king would assert his right to conscript the daughters of his subjects for his own service, regardless of the family's wishes or needs. It starkly highlights the absolute power a human king would wield over his people, treating them as resources rather than free individuals within a covenant relationship with God.
* **"[to be] confectionaries":** This phrase specifies the first category of forced labor for the daughters. As explored in the key word analysis, these were skilled roles involving the preparation of perfumes, oils, and cosmetics for the royal court. This service, while appearing domestic, was essential for the king's prestige, comfort, and the maintenance of a luxurious lifestyle, underscoring the self-serving and demanding nature of the monarchy Samuel describes.
* **"and [to be] cooks, and [to be] bakers":** These roles further illustrate the domestic servitude demanded by the king. Daughters would be compelled into the laborious and often mundane tasks of preparing food for the extensive royal household. These roles, though vital for the daily functioning of the court, represent a significant burden on the families whose daughters were taken, depriving them of their labor and presence, and reinforcing the king's absolute claim over his subjects' lives and resources, ultimately diminishing their freedom and prosperity.

#### Literary Devices
Samuel's warning in [1 Samuel 8:13](/1_samuel/8-13 "1 Samuel 8:13 - The King's Demand for Daughters") employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Foreshadowing** is prominently featured, as Samuel's detailed description of the king's abuses accurately predicts the future oppressive actions of many Israelite monarchs, such as Solomon's heavy taxation and forced labor (e.g., [1 Kings 4:7](/1_kings/4-7 "1 Kings 4:7 - Solomon's Provisioners") and [1 Kings 12:4](/1_kings/12-4 "1 Kings 12:4 - Rehoboam's Heavy Yoke")). The passage also utilizes **Contrast**, setting the benevolent and freeing rule of God against the exploitative and burdensome nature of human kingship. This highlights the profound theological choice Israel was making, trading divine liberty for human oppression. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Irony** in Israel's demand for a king to provide security and unity "like all the nations," only to be warned that this very king would ultimately diminish their freedom, appropriate their resources, and exploit their children, leading to a form of servitude from which they would eventually cry out for deliverance ([1 Samuel 8:18](/1_samuel/8-18 "1 Samuel 8:18 - Israel's Future Regret")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The warning in [1 Samuel 8:13](/1_samuel/8-13 "1 Samuel 8:13 - The King's Appropriation of Daughters") serves as a profound theological statement on the dangers of rejecting divine wisdom for worldly conformity. Israel's desire for a king "like all the nations" stemmed from a fundamental lack of trust in God's unique provision and protection, leading them to seek security and status in human systems rather than in their covenant relationship with the Almighty. Samuel's detailed prophecy of the king's oppressive practices—including the conscription of their daughters—reveals the inherent cost of such misplaced trust. It underscores a recurring biblical theme: when humanity attempts to establish its own order apart from God's design, it often results in bondage and exploitation, rather than the freedom and flourishing found under divine sovereignty. This passage serves as a timeless caution against prioritizing human institutions, power, or perceived worldly advantages over God's perfect will and direct rule.

* [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14-20 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws Concerning Kingship")
* [Hosea 13:10-11](/hosea/13-10-11 "Hosea 13:10-11 - God Gives a King in Anger")
* [Matthew 20:25-28](/matthew/20-25-28 "Matthew 20:25-28 - Gentile Rulers vs. Christ's Servant Leadership")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The message of [1 Samuel 8:13](/1_samuel/8-13 "1 Samuel 8:13 - The King's Demand for Daughters") and the broader warning in [1 Samuel 8:11-17](/1_samuel/8-11 "1 Samuel 8:11-17 - Samuel's Full Warning About the King") resonate powerfully in contemporary life, challenging us to critically examine where we place our trust and what we truly desire. Are we, like ancient Israel, tempted to seek solutions in worldly systems, human leaders, or cultural norms, even when they subtly or overtly contradict God's revealed will? This passage serves as a poignant reminder that prioritizing external appearances, perceived security, or social status over God's sovereignty often leads to unforeseen burdens and a loss of true freedom. It calls us to discern the true cost of our desires, to trust in God's perfect plan even when it doesn't align with "what everyone else has," and to recognize that ultimate authority and genuine provision come from Him alone. By placing our hope and security in fallible human sources, we risk disappointment and a form of spiritual servitude, just as the Israelite kings ultimately disappointed their people. This passage compels us to cling to the liberating truth that true freedom and abundant life are found only in submission to the King of Kings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "kings" or worldly systems do I tend to place my trust in, rather than fully relying on God's sovereignty?**
* **How might my desire to "be like all the nations" subtly lead me away from God's unique and perfect design for my life?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to trade true freedom in Christ for perceived security or status offered by the world?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's benevolent rule, even when His path seems counter-cultural or challenging?**

### FAQ

**Why did Israel want a king, despite God being their King?**

Answer: Israel desired a king primarily for security and to conform to the practices of surrounding nations. They wanted a visible, human leader to "go out before us and fight our battles" ([1 Samuel 8:20](/1_samuel/8-20 "1 Samuel 8:20 - Israel's Desire for a King to Fight Their Battles")), much like other kingdoms had. This desire stemmed from a lack of faith in God's invisible, yet active, kingship and leadership, which God Himself interpreted as a profound rejection of Him ([1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's Interpretation of Israel's Request")). They sought a tangible, human solution to their fears and insecurities, rather than continuing to trust in God's direct rule and miraculous intervention.

**Were Samuel's warnings about the king's oppressive practices accurate?**

Answer: Yes, Samuel's warnings proved to be remarkably accurate throughout Israel's history. Subsequent kings, like Solomon, indeed imposed heavy burdens, taxes, and forced labor on the people to maintain their lavish courts and ambitious building projects ([1 Kings 4:7](/1_kings/4-7 "1 Kings 4:7 - Solomon's Provisioners") and [1 Kings 12:4](/1_kings/12-4 "1 Kings 12:4 - Rehoboam's Heavy Yoke")). Rehoboam, Solomon's son, even threatened to increase these burdens, leading to the division of the kingdom ([1 Kings 12:1-11](/1_kings/12-1 "1 Kings 12:1-11 - Rehoboam's Harsh Rule and the Division of the Kingdom")). The history of the Israelite monarchy is replete with examples of kings exploiting their subjects, fulfilling Samuel's prophecy of the "manner of the king."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The oppressive "manner of the king" described in [1 Samuel 8:13](/1_samuel/8-13 "1 Samuel 8:13 - The King's Appropriation of Daughters") finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the kingship of Jesus Christ. While earthly kings "take" and exploit their subjects for personal gain, conscripting their children and resources, Jesus, the true King of Israel, came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His kingdom is not of this world, and therefore operates by an entirely different set of principles, characterized by humility, self-sacrifice, and grace ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). Unlike the burdensome yoke of human monarchs, Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, promising rest and a "light yoke" ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He does not demand our daughters for forced labor, but offers adoption into His royal family, making us co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The prophetic warning in Samuel highlights the inherent dangers of human systems apart from God, ultimately pointing to the perfect, liberating, and benevolent rule of Christ, who truly sets His people free from all forms of bondage and calls them into a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.