Topical Bible: King: Taxes

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In the biblical context, the concept of taxes is intricately linked to governance, authority, and the responsibilities of both rulers and subjects. Taxes are mentioned throughout the Bible, reflecting their significance in the socio-economic and religious life of ancient Israel and the broader ancient Near Eastern world.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the establishment of a monarchy in Israel brought about a structured system of taxation. The Israelites initially resisted the idea of a king, as seen in 1 Samuel 8, where the prophet Samuel warns the people about the implications of having a king, including the imposition of taxes. Samuel cautions, "He will take a tenth of your grain and your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants" (1 Samuel 8:15). This passage highlights the expectation that a king would levy taxes to support the royal administration and military.

During the reign of Solomon, the kingdom experienced significant prosperity, but it also faced heavy taxation and forced labor. Solomon's extensive building projects, including the construction of the Temple, required substantial resources. 1 Kings 4:7 mentions, "Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household. Each one had to make provision for one month in the year" . This system of provision can be seen as a form of taxation, where the governors collected resources from the people to sustain the king's court.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, taxes continue to play a crucial role, particularly under Roman rule. The Roman Empire imposed various taxes on its provinces, including Judea. One of the most notable references to taxes in the New Testament is the account of Jesus being questioned about paying taxes to Caesar. In Matthew 22:17-21, the Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Jesus by asking, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" Jesus responds by saying, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" . This statement underscores the principle of fulfilling civic duties while maintaining spiritual obligations.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of taxes in his epistle to the Romans. In Romans 13:6-7, Paul writes, "This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work. Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due" . Paul emphasizes the legitimacy of governmental authority and the Christian responsibility to comply with tax obligations as part of respecting and honoring those in power.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the Bible presents taxes as a necessary aspect of societal order and governance. While taxes can be burdensome, they are portrayed as a means to support the functions of government and the common good. The biblical narrative encourages believers to approach the issue of taxes with integrity, recognizing the authority established by God and the importance of contributing to the welfare of the community.

Throughout Scripture, the concept of taxes serves as a reminder of the balance between earthly governance and divine sovereignty. Believers are called to navigate their civic responsibilities with wisdom and discernment, ensuring that their actions align with both their duties to the state and their ultimate allegiance to God.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 20:24
And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:
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1 Kings 12:18
Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.
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2 Chronicles 17:11
Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
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Library

How after the Death of Cambyses and the Slaughter of the Magi but ...
... also wrote to them, that all the captives who should go to Judea should be free;
and he prohibited his deputies and governors to lay any king's taxes upon the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how after the.htm

A Brave Knight
... our fields and our vineyards and our houses, that we may get grain because there
is so little." Others said, "We have borrowed money to pay the king's taxes. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a brave knight.htm

Sapor King of Persia is Excited against the Christians. Symeon ...
... accusations, and at first, ground the Christians with excessive taxes, although
he ... on his apprehension, was bound with chains, and brought before the king. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter ix sapor king of persia.htm

How Herod Made War with the King of Arabia, and after they had ...
... 1. Hereupon Herod held himself ready to go against the king of Arabia, because of
his ... and that now for a long time, and having received great taxes, and raised ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how herod made.htm

The Transplanting of Congregationalism
... in 1614, to convene his lords, squires, and burgesses, the king was disappointed
to ... Justice from office for refusing to recognize as legal taxes laid without ...
/.../chapter ii the transplanting of.htm

How Antiochus Made a League with Ptolemy and How Onias Provoked ...
... 4. And when the day came on which the king was to let the taxes of the cities to
farm, and those that were the principal men of dignity in their several ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how antiochus made.htm

Concerning Zamaris, the Babylonian Jew; Concerning the Plots Laid ...
... the privilege of their freedom, but oppress them entirely with the imposition of
taxes. ... there was a confidence and firm friendship between him and king Agrippa ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning zamaris the.htm

The Fall of the Empire and of the Papacy
... subsequent letters he allowed that they might pay taxes of their own free will,
and even that in cases of necessity the King might take taxes without waiting ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xvi the fall of.htm

How Judas Overthrew the Forces of Apollonius and Seron and Killed ...
... 2. When king Antiochus heard of these things, he was very angry at what had happened;
so he ... and there was a want of money in them, for all the taxes were not ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how judas overthrew.htm

History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2
... harem: the women, the queen, her origin, her duties to the king -- His children ... for
its service: the buildings and places for the receipt of taxes -- The scribe ...
/.../history of egypt chaldaea syria babylonia and assyria v 2/title page.htm