In the biblical context, the concept of tribute refers to a form of taxation or levy imposed by a ruler upon his subjects or upon a conquered people. The kings of Israel, as leaders appointed by God, were expected to govern with justice and righteousness, avoiding unnecessary or oppressive tributes that would burden the people.

The biblical mandate for kings, including those of Israel, is rooted in the principles of justice and mercy. In Deuteronomy 17:14-20, God provides specific instructions for the future kings of Israel. While this passage does not explicitly mention tribute, it emphasizes that a king should not "acquire great numbers of horses for himself" or "take many wives," nor should he "accumulate large amounts of silver and gold" (Deuteronomy 17:16-17). These instructions imply that a king should not exploit his position for personal gain, which would include levying oppressive tributes.

The account of Rehoboam, Solomon's son, serves as a cautionary tale regarding oppressive tribute. Upon Solomon's death, Rehoboam ascended to the throne. The people of Israel, burdened by heavy labor and taxes under Solomon, approached Rehoboam seeking relief. They requested, "Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you" (1 Kings 12:4). Instead of heeding the wise counsel of the elders to serve the people and lighten their load, Rehoboam followed the advice of his peers, declaring, "My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier" (1 Kings 12:14). This decision led to the division of the kingdom, with ten tribes rebelling against Rehoboam's rule.

The prophets also spoke against oppressive practices, including excessive tribute. In Micah 3:1-3, the prophet condemns the leaders of Israel for their exploitation and injustice, likening them to those who "tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones" (Micah 3:2). Such imagery underscores the severity of oppressive governance, which includes burdensome taxation.

Furthermore, the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, such as Proverbs, often highlights the importance of righteous leadership. Proverbs 29:4 states, "By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down" . This proverb suggests that a king's just rule, which would exclude oppressive tribute, contributes to the nation's stability and prosperity.

In summary, the biblical narrative and teachings emphasize that the kings of Israel were to avoid levying unnecessary or oppressive tributes. They were called to lead with justice, mercy, and humility, ensuring that their governance reflected God's righteous standards. The failure to adhere to these principles often resulted in dire consequences, as seen in the division of the kingdom under Rehoboam.Deuteronomy 17:17
Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Footnotes
... up The Large Declaration, under the Kings name, in 1642 ... some Latin verses, as an
affectionate tribute to his ... Gataker's "God's Eye on his Israel","preface, Lond ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

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