Topical Bible: Kings: Their Revenues Derived From: Tax on Foreign Merchandise

◄ Kings: Their Revenues Derived From: Tax on Foreign Merchandise ►

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In the ancient Near Eastern context, kings often derived a significant portion of their revenues from taxes imposed on foreign merchandise. This practice is evident in the biblical narrative, where the economic strategies of Israelite and neighboring monarchs are documented. The taxation of goods entering a kingdom was a common method to bolster the royal treasury, support governmental functions, and maintain the king's court and military.

Biblical Context and Examples

1. Solomon's Trade and Tariffs: King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and wealth, established extensive trade networks. His reign is marked by economic prosperity, partly due to the taxation of foreign goods. Solomon's alliances with neighboring nations, such as Tyre, facilitated the import of valuable materials like cedar and gold. The Bible notes Solomon's commercial acumen in 1 Kings 10:14-15 : "The weight of gold that came to Solomon each year was 666 talents, not including the revenue from the merchants and traders, as well as all the Arabian kings and governors of the land."

2. Jehoshaphat's Economic Policies: King Jehoshaphat of Judah also engaged in international trade, which likely included the taxation of foreign merchandise. His reign is characterized by economic reforms and military strengthening, as seen in 2 Chronicles 17:5 : "So the LORD established the kingdom in his hand, and all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance."

3. Hezekiah's Wealth and Tribute: King Hezekiah's wealth, as described in 2 Kings 20:13 , suggests a robust system of revenue collection, possibly including taxes on foreign goods: "And Hezekiah received the envoys and showed them all that was in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, as well as his armory and everything found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his palace or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them."

Economic and Political Implications

The taxation of foreign merchandise served not only as a source of revenue but also as a tool for political leverage. By controlling trade routes and imposing tariffs, kings could exert influence over neighboring regions and secure alliances. This economic strategy was crucial for maintaining the stability and prosperity of the kingdom.

Theological Considerations

From a theological perspective, the prosperity derived from such taxation is often seen as a sign of divine favor and blessing. The wealth accumulated by kings like Solomon and Hezekiah is frequently attributed to their faithfulness and obedience to God's commandments. However, the Bible also warns against the potential for corruption and idolatry that can accompany great wealth, as seen in the later years of Solomon's reign.

Conclusion

The taxation of foreign merchandise was a vital component of the economic policies of biblical kings. It provided necessary funds for the administration and defense of the kingdom while also reflecting the broader geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East. Through these practices, the biblical narrative illustrates the complex interplay between faith, governance, and economic strategy.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 10:15
Beside that he had of the merchants, and of the traffic of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chaldaean Civilization
... and from which he drew the revenues; the other ... The kings, the vicegerents, the temple
administration, and the ... numbers in the construction of their buildings or ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... 'Setting their feet upon the necks of kings, And through the worlds subduing, chaining
down The free, immortal spirit"theirs a wondrous spell.' [1]. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm