government. To pay them, the wages we earn from January first to May sixteenth go to pay our taxes. Israel wanted to be like the nations around them—but it would cost them greatly. 1 Samuel 8:15–17 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.