Topical Encyclopedia Gold, a precious metal highly valued for its rarity and beauty, has been a significant element in biblical history, often symbolizing wealth, power, and divine favor. In the context of ancient Near Eastern politics and economics, gold was frequently exacted as tribute by dominant powers from subjugated nations or vassal states. This practice is well-documented in the biblical narrative, illustrating the dynamics of power and the burdens placed upon those under foreign rule.One of the earliest instances of gold being exacted as tribute is found in the account of King Solomon, whose reign is marked by unprecedented wealth and splendor. Solomon's wisdom and political acumen attracted the attention of surrounding nations, leading to alliances and tributes. In 1 Kings 10:14 , it is recorded, "The weight of gold that came to Solomon each year was 666 talents." This substantial amount of gold, part of which was tribute from other nations, underscores the extent of Solomon's influence and the prosperity of Israel during his reign. The practice of exacting gold as tribute is further exemplified during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. Facing the threat of Assyrian invasion, Hezekiah sought to appease the Assyrian king Sennacherib by sending a substantial tribute. In 2 Kings 18:14-16 , it is noted, "So Hezekiah king of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish: 'I have done wrong. Withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand of me.' The king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. So Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace. At that time Hezekiah stripped the gold from the doors of the temple of the LORD and from the doorposts he had overlaid and gave it to the king of Assyria." This passage highlights the desperation and measures taken by Hezekiah to preserve his kingdom, even at the cost of the temple's adornments. The imposition of gold as tribute is also evident in the interactions between Israel and its neighboring powers during the divided monarchy. In 1 Kings 15:18-19 , King Asa of Judah, facing aggression from Baasha, king of Israel, sought the aid of Ben-hadad, king of Aram, by sending him treasures from the house of the LORD and the king's house. "Then Asa took all the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he entrusted it to his servants. Then King Asa sent them to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus, saying, 'Let there be a treaty between me and you, as there was between my father and your father. See, I am sending you a gift of silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.'" This strategic use of gold as tribute reflects the complex political maneuvers and alliances of the time. Throughout the biblical narrative, the exaction of gold as tribute serves as a testament to the geopolitical realities faced by the people of Israel and Judah. It underscores the vulnerability of smaller states in the face of imperial powers and the lengths to which they would go to secure peace and stability. The biblical accounts of gold as tribute not only highlight the material wealth involved but also the spiritual and cultural implications of such transactions, as they often involved the desecration of sacred spaces and the diversion of resources meant for the worship of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 20:3,5Your silver and your gold is mine; your wives also and your children, even the best, are mine. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 23:33,35 Library Epistle cx. To Theoderic and Theodebert, Kings of the Franks . Letter Lxxvii. To Oceanus. The Vain Machinations of the Arians and Melitians against St. ... The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign. Costly and Fatal Help Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ... The Papal Power in the Church Canaan The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources Will there literally be streets of gold in heaven? | GotQuestions.orgIs it possible for gold dust to come down during a church service? | GotQuestions.org Why did the Magi bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Gold: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gold used in the Arts in Ornamenting the Priests' Garments Gold used in the Arts: Apparel Gold used in the Arts: Beaten Work Gold used in the Arts: Bedsteads Made of Gold used in the Arts: Crowns Made of Gold used in the Arts: Into Ornaments Gold used in the Arts: Made Into Wire Threads and Worked Into Embroidered Tapestry Gold used in the Arts: Modeled Into Forms of Fruits Gold used in the Arts: Overlaying With Gold used in the Arts: Shields of Gold used in the Arts: The Lampstands Made of, for the Tabernacle Gold was Used for Mercy Seat and Cherubims Gold was Used for Overlaying Cherubims in Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying Floor of Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying the Ark Gold was Used for Overlaying the Tabernacle Gold was Used for Overlaying the Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying Throne of Solomon Gold was Used for Sacred Candlesticks Gold was Used for Sacred Utensils Gold: Abundance of, in Solomon's Reign Gold: Altar Lamps, and Other Articles Made of Gold: Jews Condemned for Multiplying Gold: Kings of Israel not to Multiply Gold: Liable to Canker and Rust Gold: Most Valuable when Pure and Fine Gold: Offerings of, for Tabernacle Gold: Offerings of, for Temple Gold: Priestly and Royal Garments Adorned With Gold: Refined and Tried by Fire Gold: Taken in War, Dedicated to God Gold: The Patriarchs Were Rich In Gold: Vessels and Utensils Made of, for the Tabernacle Related Terms |
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