And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. (1 Samuel 8:15-17)
God warned Israel that if they demanded a king, they would find themselves under the heavy yoke of human governance. The king would use their finest resources—fields, vineyards, olive groves, and even their laborers—for his own benefit. What they once offered to God in tithe would now be claimed by a human king and his government, and that burden would be more than they could endure. God required only one tax, the tithe, which was 10%, and nothing more. The king would impose taxes on the same resources multiple times. You would be taxed on production, sales, living, and more. We recognize this from modern taxation, which levies taxes on every aspect of production and livelihood. While the tithe is given voluntarily to honor God, taxation is enforced by law and serves the interests of those in power rather than the well-being of the people.
God’s warning in 1 Samuel 8 illustrates that as human governments expand, they consume more resources and exert greater control over people’s lives. This has been more evident in the last few decades than ever before.
What’s the point of all this? When you shift from trusting, relying on, and obeying God to placing your trust in your government and systems, you invite slavery from your government and grant them the power and authority to dominate. God desires for you to be free, and He wants you to follow Him. It’s the best way.
Practical Application
Do not trust man or man’s systems. Decide to trust God fully. His ways are the best. Give to the Lord because He is good, and pray for just laws and transparency from your government regarding taxes.