Topical Bible: Kings: Their Revenues Derived From: Tribute from Foreign Nations

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In the ancient Near Eastern context, the concept of tribute was a common practice among nations and kingdoms. Tribute was a form of payment made by one nation or ruler to another, often as a sign of submission or allegiance. In the biblical narrative, the payment of tribute to kings is frequently mentioned as a significant source of revenue and a demonstration of power and influence.

Biblical Instances of Tribute:

1. Solomon's Wealth and Influence:
King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and wealth, received tribute from various foreign nations. His reign is marked by prosperity and extensive trade relationships. The Bible records that "all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. Each of them brought his gift—articles of silver and gold, garments, weapons, spices, horses, and mules—so much year after year" (2 Chronicles 9:23-24). This passage highlights the continuous flow of wealth into Solomon's kingdom through tributes, enhancing his economic and political stature.

2. Jehoshaphat's Tribute from the Philistines:
King Jehoshaphat of Judah also received tribute, which is indicative of his strength and the respect he commanded from neighboring nations. The Bible states, "Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks: 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats" (2 Chronicles 17:11). This tribute not only augmented the king's wealth but also signified the submission of these nations to his rule.

3. Hezekiah's Tribute to Assyria:
In contrast, there are instances where Israelite kings paid tribute to foreign powers. King Hezekiah of Judah, facing the threat of Assyrian invasion, sent tribute to King Sennacherib of Assyria. The Bible recounts, "So Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the king’s palace" (2 Kings 18:15). This act of paying tribute was a strategic move to appease a powerful adversary, though it also reflected the political pressures faced by smaller kingdoms.

Theological and Historical Significance:

The practice of receiving or paying tribute in the biblical narrative underscores the dynamics of power, diplomacy, and dependence among ancient kingdoms. For the kings of Israel and Judah, receiving tribute was a testament to their God-given authority and the fulfillment of divine promises of prosperity and dominion. Conversely, paying tribute often signified subjugation and the consequences of turning away from divine guidance.

From a theological perspective, the narratives involving tribute serve as reminders of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to elevate or humble rulers according to His purposes. The wealth and power derived from tribute were seen as blessings contingent upon the kings' faithfulness to God's covenant. The biblical accounts of tribute thus offer insights into the economic and political realities of the time, while also reflecting the spiritual lessons intended for the people of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 4:21,24,25
And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 8:8
But of their children, who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel consumed not, them did Solomon make to pay tribute until this day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 17:11
Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Egypt
... The kings themselves were, it is probable, Libyans by ... and carefully superintended,
and enormous revenues poured into the ... more and more with their subjects; the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ...
... troubles of Palestine under the Syrian kings greatly swelled ... support being derived
from the revenues of the ... had been burnt, and raised their pathetic dirges. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v alexandria and rome.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... the mummies of these kings and the statues of their ... previously associated with him
still held their own beside him ... in the fact that Khonsu is derived from the ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

The First Theban Empire
... land supported a smaller population and yielded less abundant revenues. ... on in these
regions by the kings of the ... drew the blocks of granite for their sarcophagi ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... not from his great-grandfather, that Harmhabi derived his indisputable ... the individuals
whom the texts mention as their princes were not the kings of these ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... reversed this order of things, and derived the Sauromato ... with the Scythians, and
the Assyrian kings had never ceased to keep an eye upon their movements, or ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... forest to which the priests and kings alone had ... Shushinak is an adjective derived
from the ... of the priests by piously augmenting their revenues, and throughout ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... of Ephorus, preserved in Diodorus, is derived from an ... the Halys"and they were
practically kings in all ... secretary were supposed to exercise over their actions ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... I have in nought curtailed the sacred revenues! ... from the Universal Lord all that
kings and princes here below bestowed upon their followers"rations ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ...
... quoting from the second Psalm, The kings of the ... the people either the amount of the
revenues of the ... He was their eloquent advocate, and was particularly active ...
/.../chapter 10 from the close.htm