In the biblical context, the concept of paying tribute to kings is a significant theme that reflects the relationship between God's people and earthly authorities. Tribute, often in the form of taxes or offerings, was a common practice in ancient times, symbolizing submission and acknowledgment of authority.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides several instances where paying tribute to kings is mentioned. One notable example is found in the account of King Solomon, whose wisdom and wealth attracted the attention of surrounding nations. In 1 Kings 10:24-25 , it is recorded: "The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift—articles of silver and gold, garments, weapons, spices, and horses and mules."

The practice of paying tribute was not limited to Israel's kings. During the period of the divided kingdom, both Israel and Judah found themselves under the dominion of foreign powers, often required to pay tribute as a sign of subjugation. For instance, in 2 Kings 17:3-4 , Hoshea, the last king of Israel, is described as paying tribute to the Assyrian king Shalmaneser: "Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up to attack Hoshea, who had been Shalmaneser’s vassal and had paid him tribute."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the issue of paying tribute is addressed in the context of Roman rule over Judea. The most direct reference is found in the interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees regarding the payment of taxes to Caesar. In Matthew 22:17-21 , the Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus with the question, "Tell us then, what is Your opinion? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" Jesus responds by asking for a denarius and inquiring whose image is on it. When they answer, "Caesar's," He replies, "So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s."

This passage highlights the distinction between earthly and divine authority, emphasizing the believer's responsibility to respect and fulfill obligations to both. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this principle in Romans 13:6-7 , where he 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."

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the act of paying tribute to kings and authorities is seen as part of God's ordained order. Earthly rulers are considered to be established by God, and thus, respecting their authority is an extension of honoring God Himself. This does not imply blind allegiance, especially when such authorities contradict God's commandments, but it does call for a posture of respect and submission in matters that do not conflict with divine law.

The biblical narrative consistently portrays the payment of tribute as a practical acknowledgment of the temporal authority that God has allowed to exist. It serves as a reminder of the believer's dual citizenship—one that is both earthly and heavenly—and the responsibility to navigate these realms with wisdom and integrity.Matthew 22:21
They say to him, Caesar's. Then said he to them, Render therefore to Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 13:6,7
For for this cause pay you tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually on this very thing.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Epistle cx. To Theoderic and Theodebert, Kings of the Franks .
... please more perfectly the Almighty Lord who gives health and wealth to kings, and
have ... we have heard that the farms of the Churches do not pay tribute; and we ...
/.../gregory/the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle cx to theoderic and.htm

How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ...
... seemed to have been the most excellent of all their kings in strength ... placed garrisons
in the country, and appointed that they should pay tribute, he returned ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how david brought.htm

Of the Babylonish Captivity, and the Things Signified Thereby.
... of the heavenly Jerusalem, would have to do service under the kings of this ... of this
sound doctrine, did not deem it unworthy of Him to pay tribute [1458] on ...
/.../chapter 21 of the babylonish captivity.htm

Jesus Pays the Tribute Money.
... [The argument is this: If the sons of kings are free ... lest we be totally misunderstood,
and be thought to teach that men should not pay this tribute to God ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxii jesus pays the tribute.htm

How Upon the Death of Cyrus the Jews were Hindered in Building of ...
... therefore, that when these things are finished, they will not be willing to pay
tribute, nor will they submit to thy commands, but will resist kings, and will ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how upon the.htm

Who is the Greatest?
... By his answer to the collector, that Jesus would pay the tribute, he had virtually
sanctioned the ... of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 48 who is the.htm

Schin.
... Did their King forbid His soldiers to pay and to render due service to the kings
of the earth? ... [5362] Did He not even in His own Person pay tribute from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/schin.htm

Psalm CXXXVIII.
... the Lord is high, and hath respect unto the lowly" (ver.6). Do kings then desire ...
is, two drachmas for one man; they came to the Lord to pay tribute; or rather ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxviii.htm

How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ...
... her by her name Nicaule, as thereby declaring, that while the kings were of ... in Mount
Lebanon, and as far as the city Hamath; and ordered them to pay tribute. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how solomon fortified.htm

The Coin in the Fish's Mouth
... God, and therefore freedom from the obligation to pay the tribute. ... hand is as to
His obligation to pay a certain ... in the question, 'Of whom do the kings of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the coin in the fishs.htm

What does it mean that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the kings of Israel and Judah? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Joash in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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