Topical Encyclopedia In the historical context of ancient Israel, the concept of tribute often involved a form of taxation or forced labor imposed by the ruling monarchs upon their subjects. This practice was not only a means of generating revenue for the kingdom but also a tool for maintaining power and control over the populace. The kings of Israel, at various times, utilized tribute in ways that led to the oppression and discontent of the people.One of the most notable instances of oppressive tribute is found during the reign of King Solomon. While Solomon is renowned for his wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom, his extensive building projects, including the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, required significant resources and labor. To meet these demands, Solomon imposed heavy taxes and conscripted labor from the Israelites. This burden is highlighted in 1 Kings 12:4 , where the people, speaking to Solomon's son Rehoboam, say, "Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you." The oppressive nature of Solomon's tribute system eventually led to widespread dissatisfaction among the tribes of Israel. This discontentment played a crucial role in the division of the united monarchy after Solomon's death. When Rehoboam, Solomon's successor, refused to ease the burdens imposed by his father, the ten northern tribes rebelled, leading to the establishment of the separate kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:16-20). Throughout the history of the divided kingdoms, both Israel and Judah experienced periods where tribute was used as a means of subjugation by foreign powers. For instance, during the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, the kingdom was subjected to paying tribute to Pharaoh Necho of Egypt and later to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (2 Kings 23:35). These tributes were often a heavy burden on the people, contributing to the economic and social decline of the nation. The prophets of Israel frequently spoke out against the injustices and burdens placed upon the people by their leaders. The prophet Amos, for example, condemned the exploitation and oppression of the poor by the ruling class, highlighting the moral and spiritual failings of the nation (Amos 5:11-12). In summary, the imposition of tribute by the kings of Israel often led to the oppression of the people, contributing to social unrest and division within the nation. This practice, while serving the immediate needs of the monarchy, ultimately had long-lasting negative effects on the unity and spiritual health of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 12:4,11Your father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make you the grievous service of your father, and his heavy yoke which he put on us, lighter, and we will serve you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Prophet Hosea. A Rebuke against Extortion The Training of a Statesman. "This Thing is from Me" Refutation of Another Argument Adduced by the Marcionites, that ... Of Civil Government. The Priest of the World and King of Men Political and Religious Life of the Jewish Dispersion in the West ... Chapter xiv The Hebrew Prophecies. Resources Who was King Jehoiakim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Hoshea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Ehud? | 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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