In biblical times, the term "exactors" refers to individuals who were responsible for collecting taxes, tributes, or other forms of revenue on behalf of a governing authority. The role of an exactor was often associated with the imposition of financial burdens on the populace, and they were sometimes viewed with disdain due to their methods and the nature of their work.

Old Testament Context

The concept of exactors is primarily found in the Old Testament, where they are often linked to the oppressive practices of foreign rulers or corrupt leaders within Israel. The Hebrew word often translated as "exactor" is "nagas," which can also mean "taskmaster" or "oppressor." This term is used in various contexts to describe those who exert pressure or enforce labor and tribute.

In Isaiah 60:17 , the prophet speaks of a future time of peace and prosperity for Israel, saying, "Instead of bronze I will bring you gold; I will bring silver in place of iron, bronze instead of wood, and iron instead of stones. I will appoint peace as your governor and righteousness as your ruler." Here, the absence of exactors is implied in the promise of peace and righteousness, contrasting with the oppression experienced under foreign domination.

Role and Perception

Exactors were often seen as instruments of oppression, particularly when they were employed by foreign powers that had subjugated Israel. Their role was not merely administrative but also coercive, as they were tasked with ensuring compliance with the demands of the ruling authority. This often involved harsh measures, which contributed to their negative reputation.

In the historical context of Israel, exactors could be seen as symbols of the nation's subjugation and the loss of autonomy. The presence of exactors was a constant reminder of foreign domination and the heavy burdens placed upon the people. This is evident in the lamentations and prophetic literature, where the removal of exactors is associated with the hope for deliverance and restoration.

Prophetic Hope

The prophetic literature of the Old Testament often envisions a future where the oppressive systems, including the role of exactors, are dismantled. This hope is rooted in the expectation of divine intervention and the establishment of God's righteous rule. In Isaiah 14:4 , the prophet declares, "you will sing this song of contempt against the king of Babylon: How the oppressor has ceased, and how his fury has ended!" This passage reflects the anticipation of liberation from oppressive rulers and their agents, including exactors.

Conclusion

While the term "exactor" may not be frequently encountered in modern translations, the concept remains significant in understanding the socio-political dynamics of ancient Israel and the broader biblical narrative. The role of exactors highlights the tension between human governance and divine justice, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures.EXACTORS

eg-zak'-ters (noghesayikh (Isaiah 60:17, the Revised Version, margin "taskmasters"; compare Exodus 1:11; Exodus 3:7)):

Righteousness personified is in Zion to take the place of the officials who oppress the people. In Isaiah 14:4 the American Revised Version, margin, Babylon is called an "exactress of gold."

A Song of Zion Redeemed
... I will also make thy officers peace, And thine exactors righteousness; Violence
shall no more be heard in thy land, Desolation nor destruction within thy ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/ix a song of zion.htm

They who Give from Evil.
... Besides having obtained an opportunity for the exactors, thy enemy for the present
is the people; thou consecrated, hast become wicked for reward. ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/lxv they who give from evil.htm

Matt. xv. 1
... Which was a twofold charge against them, in that they both invented novelties, and
were so strict exactors on their own account, while of God they made no ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily li matt xv 1.htm

Apollonius.
... who called Peruga and Tymius, small towns of Phrygia, Jerusalem, because he wished
to collect thither people from all parts; who set up exactors of money; who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/apollonius.htm

The Hard-Heartedness of the Jews, for whom the Christians Pray.
... evil, according to the works of his hands, shall befall him. O my people, your exactors
glean you, and those who extort from you shall rule over you. ...
/.../chapter cxxxiii the hard-heartedness of the.htm

Non-Resistants.
... in which there is no distinction of rank, or division of caste, or inequality of
sex; the officers of which are PEACE, its exactors RIGHTEOUSNESS, its walls ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/non-resistants.htm

Sapor King of Persia is Excited against the Christians. Symeon ...
... He entrusted the exaction to cruel men, hoping that, by the want of necessaries,
and the atrocity of the exactors, they might be compelled to abjure their ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter ix sapor king of persia.htm

To Constantius the Prefect.
... In the time of Isidorus [1683] of glorious memory, fifteen thousand acres were taxed
in gold, but the exactors of the Comitian assessment, unable to bear the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/xlii to constantius the prefect.htm

Epistle Xli. To Constantina Augusta.
... But the island of Corsica is oppressed by such an excessive number of exactors and
such a burden of exactions, that those who are in it are hardly able to make ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xli to constantina augusta.htm

Of the Clause: "Forgive us Our Debts, Etc. "
... in regard to those things which are done to God's detriment, however great the crimes
may be, but to be found most hard and inexorable exactors of debts to ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxii of the clause .htm

Exactors (8 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia EXACTORS. eg-zak'-ters (noghesayikh ... of gold.".
Multi-Version Concordance Exactors (8 Occurrences). Exodus 3 ...
/e/exactors.htm - 9k

Authorities (44 Occurrences)
... injure; (YLT). Exodus 5:6 And Pharaoh commandeth, on that day, the exactors
among the people and its authorities, saying, (YLT). Exodus 5 ...
/a/authorities.htm - 19k

Exactor (9 Occurrences)

/e/exactor.htm - 9k

Ruled (84 Occurrences)
... gone for ever. (BBE). Isaiah 3:12 My people -- its exactors 'are' sucklings,
And women have ruled over it. My people -- thy eulogists ...
/r/ruled.htm - 31k

Inherited (23 Occurrences)
... inherited them, On the land of Jehovah, For men-servants and for maid-servants,
And they have been captors of their captors, And have ruled over their exactors...
/i/inherited.htm - 13k

Inspection (23 Occurrences)
... the iron I bring in silver, And instead of the wood brass, And instead of the stone
iron, And I have made thy inspection peace, And thy exactors righteousness. ...
/i/inspection.htm - 13k

Eulogists (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Eulogists (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 3:12 My people --
its exactors 'are' sucklings, And women have ruled over it. ...
/e/eulogists.htm - 6k

Exactress (1 Occurrence)

/e/exactress.htm - 6k

Magistrates (18 Occurrences)
... brass, and for stones iron. I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors
righteousness. (See JPS). Daniel 3:2 and Nebuchadnezzar ...
/m/magistrates.htm - 12k

Captors (9 Occurrences)
... inherited them, On the land of Jehovah, For men-servants and for maid-servants,
And they have been captors of their captors, And have ruled over their exactors...
/c/captors.htm - 9k

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