Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "tribute" refers to a form of taxation or levy imposed by a dominant power upon a subjugated nation or people. This practice was common in the ancient Near East and is frequently mentioned in the Bible, illustrating the political and economic dynamics of the time.Old Testament Context The concept of tribute is prominently featured in the Old Testament, where it often signifies the subjugation of one nation by another. The Hebrew word for tribute, "מַס" (mas), is used to describe forced labor or a levy. Another term, "מִנְחָה" (minchah), can refer to a gift or offering, sometimes used in the context of tribute. One of the earliest mentions of tribute is found in the account of the Israelites' bondage in Egypt, where they were subjected to harsh labor as a form of tribute to Pharaoh (Exodus 1:11). Later, during the period of the Judges, the Israelites themselves were often required to pay tribute to foreign oppressors, such as the Moabites under King Eglon (Judges 3:15-17). The establishment of the monarchy in Israel brought about a shift in the dynamics of tribute. King Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, imposed a system of forced labor on the Israelites and exacted tribute from surrounding nations, which contributed to his vast wealth and the grandeur of his kingdom (1 Kings 4:21, 1 Kings 9:21). Tribute in the Divided Kingdom After the division of the united monarchy, both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah experienced periods of paying and receiving tribute. The Assyrian Empire, a dominant force in the region, exacted tribute from Israel during the reign of King Menahem, who paid a substantial sum to secure his throne (2 Kings 15:19-20). Similarly, King Ahaz of Judah sent tribute to Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria in a bid for military assistance (2 Kings 16:7-8). New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of tribute is seen in the context of Roman rule over Judea. The Roman Empire imposed taxes on its provinces, and the collection of these taxes was a source of tension among the Jewish population. The question of paying tribute to Caesar was posed to Jesus as a test, to which He famously responded, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s" (Matthew 22:21). The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of tribute in his epistle to the Romans, urging believers to fulfill their obligations to governing authorities, including the payment of taxes: "This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work" (Romans 13:6). Theological Implications The practice of exacting tribute in the Bible underscores the themes of power, authority, and submission. It reflects the reality of human governance and the often complex relationships between nations. From a theological perspective, the Bible acknowledges the legitimacy of earthly authorities while affirming the ultimate sovereignty of God. The call to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto God what is God's, highlights the dual responsibility of believers to respect temporal authorities while maintaining their primary allegiance to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 16:10And they drove not out the Canaanites that dwelled in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day, and serve under tribute. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 1:30,33,35 2 Kings 23:33,35 Library The Triumph of Faith Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The Holy See and the Wandering of the Nations. The Israelites The Church and the Heathen Canaan The Last Days of the Old Eastern World The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Against Jovinianus. Resources What is the significance of the twelve gates in Revelation 21? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org Who is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org Tribute: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Tribute (Taxes) by the Arabians: To Jehoshaphat Tribute (Taxes) by the Arabians: To Solomon Tribute (Taxes): from Conquered Nations Tribute: All Saints Exhorted to Pay Tribute: Christ to Avoid Offense Wrought a Miracle to Pay for Himself Tribute: Exacted from all Conquered Nations Tribute: Kings of Israel: Forbidden to Levy Unnecessary or Oppressive Tribute: Kings of Israel: Often Oppressed the People With Tribute: Kings of Israel: Set officers Over Tribute: Often Exacted in Gold and Silver Tribute: Often Exacted in Labour Tribute: Often Exacted in Produce of Land Tribute: Priests and Levites Exempted From Tribute: Roman was Paid in Roman Coin Tribute: Roman was Resisted by the Galilaeans Under Judas of Galilee Tribute: Roman: Christ Showed to the Pharisees and Herodians the Propriety Tribute: Roman: Collected by the Publicans Tribute: Roman: Decree of Augustus For Tribute: Roman: First Levied in Judea when Cyrenius Was Governor Tribute: Roman: Our Lord Falsely Accused of Forbidding to Pay Tribute: Roman: Persons Enroled For, in the Native Place of Their Tribe Tribute: Sometimes Exacted by Kings from Their own Subjects Tribute: The Jews Required to Pay Half a Shekel to God As Tribute: when Oppressive Frequently Led to Rebellion Related Terms Tribute-service (1 Occurrence) Tiglathpileser (3 Occurrences) |
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