Tribute

In biblical times, the concept of tribute was closely associated with the payment made by one nation or people to another, often as a sign of submission or in exchange for protection. The practice of paying tribute is evident throughout the Old Testament, where it often involved the transfer of wealth, goods, or labor from a subjugated people to their conquerors.

One notable instance of tribute is found in 2 Kings 17:3-4, where the king of Assyria imposed tribute on Hoshea, the king of Israel. "Shalmaneser king of Assyria attacked him, and Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute. But the king of Assyria discovered that Hoshea had conspired, sending envoys to So king of Egypt, and he had not paid tribute to the king of Assyria as he had done year by year. Therefore Shalmaneser seized him and put him in prison" .

In the New Testament, the concept of tribute is addressed in the context of Roman taxation. Jesus' teaching on paying taxes to Caesar is a well-known passage that highlights the distinction between earthly and divine obligations. In Matthew 22:17-21, the Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes: "Tell us then, what is Your opinion? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Show Me the coin used for the tax." And they brought Him a denarius. "Whose image is this," He asked, "and whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they answered. So Jesus told them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" .

Duty

The concept of duty in the Bible encompasses the responsibilities and obligations that individuals have towards God, their fellow humans, and society. Duty is often expressed through adherence to God's commandments, moral conduct, and service to others.

In Ecclesiastes 12:13, the duty of man is succinctly summarized: "When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man" . This verse emphasizes the importance of reverence for God and obedience to His laws as the fundamental duty of humanity.

The New Testament further elaborates on the concept of duty, particularly in the context of Christian living. In Romans 13:7, the Apostle Paul instructs believers to fulfill their obligations to governing authorities: "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" . This passage underscores the Christian duty to respect and comply with civil authorities as part of their witness and testimony.

Toll

Toll, in the biblical context, refers to a tax or fee levied on goods, travelers, or merchants, often at city gates or along trade routes. The collection of tolls was a common practice in ancient times, serving as a source of revenue for local governments or ruling powers.

In the Old Testament, tolls are mentioned in the context of trade and commerce. For example, in Ezra 4:13, the opponents of the rebuilding of Jerusalem write to King Artaxerxes, warning him that if the city is rebuilt, the king will no longer receive "tribute, duty, or toll" . This highlights the economic implications of tolls and their significance in maintaining the financial stability of a kingdom.

The New Testament also references toll collectors, who were often viewed with disdain by the Jewish population due to their association with the Roman authorities and their reputation for corruption. In Luke 19:2, Zacchaeus is described as a chief tax collector: "And there was a man named Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, who was very wealthy" . Despite his profession, Zacchaeus' encounter with Jesus leads to his repentance and restitution, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ's message.

Overall, tribute, duty, and toll in the Bible reflect the broader themes of authority, responsibility, and the intersection of faith with societal structures. These concepts serve as reminders of the believer's call to live faithfully and honorably in all aspects of life.