Topical Bible: Kings: Their Revenues Derived From: Voluntary Contributions

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In the biblical context, the revenues of kings were often derived from various sources, including voluntary contributions from their subjects. This practice is evident in several instances throughout the Scriptures, where the people willingly offered gifts and resources to support the king and his endeavors.

One notable example is found in the reign of King David. In 1 Chronicles 29, as David prepared for the construction of the temple, he called upon the leaders and the people of Israel to contribute voluntarily to the project. The response was overwhelmingly generous, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 29:9 : "The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. King David also rejoiced greatly."

This passage highlights the principle that voluntary contributions were not only a means of supporting the king's projects but also an expression of devotion to God. The people's willingness to give was seen as a reflection of their loyalty and commitment to both their earthly king and their heavenly King.

Another instance can be observed during the reign of King Solomon, David's son. Solomon's wealth and the splendor of his kingdom were renowned, and part of this wealth came from the voluntary gifts of foreign dignitaries and allies. The Queen of Sheba, for example, brought a significant amount of gold, spices, and precious stones as gifts to Solomon, as described in 1 Kings 10:10 : "And she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again did such an abundance of spices come in as those the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon."

These voluntary contributions were not limited to material wealth but also included offerings of service and allegiance. In 2 Samuel 8:10 , we see an example of this when Toi, king of Hamath, sent his son Joram to King David to greet him and bless him for his victory over Hadadezer. Joram brought with him articles of silver, gold, and bronze, signifying a gesture of peace and alliance.

The practice of voluntary contributions to kings underscores the relationship between the ruler and the ruled, where the subjects' offerings were a tangible expression of their support and recognition of the king's authority. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of stewardship, where individuals are encouraged to give freely and generously as an act of worship and obedience to God.

In summary, the revenues of kings in biblical times were often supplemented by voluntary contributions from their subjects and allies. These contributions were not only a source of material wealth but also a demonstration of loyalty, support, and reverence for both the earthly king and the divine King.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 10:27
But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought no presents. But he held his peace.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 16:20
And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son to Saul.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 12:39,40
And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking: for their brothers had prepared for them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ...
... occasion said, quoting from the second Psalm, The kings of the ... from the people either
the amount of the revenues of the Church, or their application, the ...
/.../chapter 10 from the close.htm

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

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... The revenues gleaned from these conquests would swell the treasury at ... their tribute,
or the spoil which the Assyrian kings carried off from their country. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... been already given, by their own voluntary agreement, should ... In their policy toward
heathenism and dissent, the policy ... It was derived in part from the teaching ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

The Religious Revolution
... His knowledge of Scholastic Theology was derived mainly from ... Pope should contribute
according to their means for ... to retain half of the contributions given on ...
/.../chapter ii the religious revolution.htm