Topical Bible: Tribute: Often Exacted in Labour

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the concept of tribute often extended beyond monetary payments to include labor and service. This form of tribute was a common practice among ancient Near Eastern societies, including the Israelites, and is documented in various passages of the Bible. Tribute in the form of labor was typically exacted by conquering nations or ruling authorities from subjugated peoples or vassal states.

Historical Context

The practice of exacting tribute in labor can be traced back to the Israelites' experience in Egypt, where they were subjected to harsh labor as a form of tribute to Pharaoh. This is vividly described in the Book of Exodus, where the Israelites were forced to build store cities for Pharaoh and endure rigorous labor conditions. Exodus 1:11 states, "So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor. They built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh."

Israelite Monarchy

During the reign of King Solomon, the practice of exacting tribute in labor was institutionalized within the Israelite kingdom itself. Solomon's extensive building projects, including the construction of the Temple and his royal palace, required a large workforce. To meet these demands, Solomon conscripted labor from the Israelites and subjected foreign peoples within his domain to forced labor. 1 Kings 9:21 notes, "Their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people for his labor force, and they remain in that role to this day."

Post-Solomonic Era

After Solomon's reign, the burden of labor tribute contributed to the division of the united monarchy. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, faced a rebellion led by Jeroboam, which was partly fueled by the heavy labor demands imposed on the people. The elders of Israel advised Rehoboam to lighten the harsh labor conditions, but he refused, leading to the secession of the northern tribes (1 Kings 12:4).

Foreign Domination

Throughout Israel's history, foreign powers often exacted tribute in labor from the Israelites. The Assyrian and Babylonian empires, for instance, imposed heavy tributes on conquered peoples, including forced labor. This was a means of demonstrating dominance and exploiting the resources of subjugated nations.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the concept of tribute exacted in labor underscores themes of servitude and liberation in the biblical narrative. The Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage is a foundational event that highlights God's intervention to free His people from oppressive labor. This liberation is commemorated in the Passover and serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The Bible's portrayal of labor tribute raises moral and ethical questions about justice, leadership, and the treatment of others. The prophets often spoke against the exploitation and oppression of the poor and vulnerable, calling for righteousness and equity. For instance, the prophet Isaiah condemned those who "deprive the poor of justice and withhold the rights of the oppressed" (Isaiah 10:2).

In summary, tribute exacted in labor is a multifaceted concept in the Bible, reflecting historical practices, theological themes, and ethical considerations. It serves as a reminder of the human tendency toward exploitation and the divine call for justice and compassion.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 5:13,14
And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 9:15,21
And this is the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... monuments of the New Empire, carrying tribute to the ... occupant was exempted from forced
labour and from ... provincial government office, had been often known to ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... peoples to their conquerors was retarded, tribute was no ... obtain sufficient workmen,
he substituted forced labour for the ... of which she had so often given proof ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... their usual haunts, a few days or often a few ... the little kingdom of Manasseh, levying
tribute upon the ... In exchange for these good offices they exacted the same ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... enlist under their banner at the first call,** must have been often tempted to ...
flattering to the national pride and piety, would have been exacted and insisted ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... classical writers maintain that the Magi often cloaked monstrous ... their own expense
and by forced labour;* but in ... the administrator paid over the tribute to the ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... brought in to it, in fact, at least as much money as the tribute took out of it. ...
The nomes of the Delta were restored to order, and, as was often customary in ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... [4255] "The mountains labour; a poor ... we must never be in the bondage of wedlock,
for as often as I ... and incentives to vice, the angelic life be not exacted of us ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm