Topical Bible: Oil: Tribute Paid In

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In the ancient Near Eastern context, oil was a valuable commodity, often used as a form of tribute or payment. The Bible records several instances where oil was used in this manner, reflecting its economic and cultural significance.

One notable example is found in the account of King Solomon's reign. Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, established extensive trade networks and alliances. In 1 Kings 5:11 , it is recorded that Solomon received oil as part of a tribute from Hiram, the king of Tyre: "And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand cors of wheat as food for his household, and twenty thousand baths of pure olive oil. Solomon did this for Hiram year after year." This exchange highlights the importance of oil in diplomatic and economic relations, serving as a valuable resource in international agreements.

The use of oil as tribute is also evident in the broader context of Israel's interactions with surrounding nations. In 2 Chronicles 2:10 , Solomon again provides oil as part of a trade agreement: "I will give your servants, the woodsmen who cut the timber, twenty thousand cors of ground wheat, twenty thousand cors of barley, twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of olive oil." This passage underscores the role of oil not only as a staple in daily life but also as a significant element in political and economic transactions.

Oil's role as tribute is further illustrated in the prophetic literature. In Hosea 12:1 , the prophet Hosea criticizes Israel for relying on foreign alliances and paying tribute, including oil, to Assyria: "Ephraim feeds on the wind and chases the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence. They make a covenant with Assyria and send olive oil to Egypt." Here, oil symbolizes Israel's misplaced trust in political alliances rather than in God, serving as a metaphor for the nation's spiritual and political infidelity.

The use of oil as tribute reflects its multifaceted role in the ancient world. It was not only a basic necessity for cooking and lighting but also a symbol of wealth and a tool for diplomacy. The biblical accounts of oil as tribute provide insight into the economic practices of ancient Israel and its neighbors, illustrating the complex interplay between resources, politics, and faith.

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Hosea 12:1
Ephraim feeds on wind, and follows after the east wind: he daily increases lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.
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Library

Epistle Xlv. To Theoctista, Patrician .
... And we then take oil in our vessels with our lamps, when we seek not ... of the blind;
and that to others, lest they should be offended, tribute is paid by the ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xlv to theoctista patrician.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... The numbers of horses brought from Syria either as spoils of war or as tribute paid
by the vanquished are frequently recorded in the Annals of Thutmosis III. ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

How Solomon Built Himself a Royal Palace, Very Costly and Splendid ...
... him also year by year, and wine and oil, which were ... or Titii, who did not pay their
tribute, and when ... to solve the riddles proposed by Solomon, he paid a great ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how solomon built.htm

Who is the Rich Man that Shall be Saved?
... thee I contended with Death, and paid thy death ... more excellent; rendering only this
small tribute of gratitude ... man in danger required, such as oil, bandages, a ...
/.../clement/who is the rich man that shall be saved/who is the rich man.htm

The Sixth Book
... he favors us with good fortune he is offering us soothing oil and poultices ... they
were feared, but now they live in fear; barbarous nations paid tribute to them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the sixth book.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... at which the sovereigns of the west paid homage and ... Judah, Moab, and Edom were forced
to renew their tribute. ... to anoint the holy images with oil, the ordinary ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

The Confessions of St. Augustin Index of Subjects
... our very life, [254]74. paid tribute to Caesar, [255]80. humanity ... Odours, the
attraction of, [958]156. Oil of sinners, [959]160 and note. Old ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/the confessions of st augustin.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... when he had done this, he thought he had paid great honor ... cori of wheat, and as many
baths of oil: now the ... And the king appointed a tribute to be laid on all ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... Merodach-baladan, who was King of Bit-Yakin at the time of Sargon's accession, had
become subject to Assyria in 729 BC, and had paid tribute to Tiglath-pileser ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

A Liberal Church
... of the field"corn, wine, and oil"were consecrated as ... animals, and a redemption price
was paid for the ... treasury, as a gratitude offering, a liberal tribute. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm