Topical Encyclopedia In the historical context of ancient Israel, the concept of tribute was a significant aspect of governance and economic management. Tribute, in this sense, refers to the levies or taxes imposed by the ruling monarchs on their subjects or on conquered peoples. The kings of Israel, following the practices of neighboring nations, established systems to collect these tributes, often appointing officers to oversee the process.Solomon's Administration King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and expansive building projects, notably organized the collection of tribute to support his kingdom's extensive needs. In 1 Kings 4:6 , it is recorded that "Ahishar was in charge of the palace, and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor." This passage highlights the administrative structure Solomon put in place, with specific officers appointed to manage different aspects of the kingdom's operations, including the collection of tribute and the oversight of labor. Solomon's reign was marked by prosperity and grand construction projects, such as the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. To fund these endeavors, Solomon divided the land into administrative districts, each responsible for providing supplies for the king's household for one month each year (1 Kings 4:7). This system ensured a steady flow of resources and demonstrated the organized approach to governance and tribute collection. Rehoboam's Reign Following Solomon, his son Rehoboam ascended to the throne. His approach to tribute and labor, however, led to significant unrest. In 1 Kings 12:18 , it is noted, "Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death." This incident occurred during a period of rebellion when the northern tribes of Israel rejected Rehoboam's harsh policies, leading to the division of the kingdom. The appointment of officers like Adoram to enforce tribute and labor demands was a common practice, but it also highlighted the potential for discontent when such demands were perceived as oppressive. Hezekiah's Tribute to Assyria In the later period of the divided kingdom, King Hezekiah of Judah faced the threat of Assyrian invasion. In 2 Kings 18:14-15 , it is recorded that Hezekiah sent tribute to the king of Assyria: "So Hezekiah king of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish: 'I have done wrong. Withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand of me.' And the king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold." Hezekiah's decision to pay tribute was a strategic move to protect his kingdom, illustrating the use of tribute as a diplomatic tool in international relations. Conclusion Throughout the history of Israel, the collection and management of tribute were essential functions of the monarchy. The appointment of officers to oversee these duties reflects the organized administrative systems developed by the kings. While tribute was necessary for the maintenance and expansion of the kingdom, it also had the potential to incite unrest when perceived as burdensome or unjust. The biblical accounts of tribute collection provide insight into the complexities of governance and the challenges faced by Israel's leaders. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 20:24And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder: Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 4:6,7 Library Jehoshaphat Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ... Ezra, the Priest and Scribe Deliverance from Assyria "The Prophets of God Helping Them" Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the ... Touching the First Subject of all the Forementioned Power of the ... "This Thing is from Me" Of Civil Government. 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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