What does 1 Samuel 8:13 mean?

Samuel is giving what we might call "fair warning" to the Israelites about the ways and rights of a human king. Israel wanted to appoint a king to be like other surrounding cultures (1 Samuel 8:4–5). This disclaimer points out some of the drawbacks to that arrangement. A king could claim the nation's sons for his chariots, military leaders, farmers, and weapons-builders (1 Samuel 8:11–12). Now he adds that the king will take their daughters to be cooks and bakers and to make perfumes.

Cooks and bakers would be responsible for feeding the royal household, along with perhaps the members of the army and other staff of the king. Perfumers created pleasant aromas around the palace and the king's person, along with preparing ointments and spices for various uses.

Once again, the emphasis is on the fact that the king would exercise his right to take the children of other Israelites to serve his own family and purposes. Some may have seen this as an honor and opportunity for a good job, while others would have been wary of this loss of freedom.