Topical Bible: Tribute: Often Exacted in Produce of Land

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, tribute was a common form of taxation or levy imposed by a ruling authority upon a subjugated people or territory. This tribute often took the form of produce from the land, reflecting the agrarian nature of ancient economies. The concept of tribute is woven throughout the biblical narrative, illustrating the socio-political dynamics of the ancient Near East and the relationship between conquerors and the conquered.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous instances where tribute is exacted in the form of agricultural produce. In 1 Kings 4:7, Solomon's administrative organization included twelve district governors, each responsible for providing food for the king and his household, one month out of the year. This system of provision can be seen as a form of tribute, where the produce of the land was used to support the central authority.

In 2 Kings 3:4, the Moabite King Mesha is described as a sheep breeder who paid tribute to the king of Israel with "a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams." This passage highlights the expectation of tribute in the form of livestock and agricultural products, which were vital resources in the ancient economy.

The requirement of tribute is also evident in the relationship between Israel and its neighboring nations. In 2 Chronicles 17:11, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, received tribute from the Philistines and the Arabians, who brought him "silver as tribute, and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred goats."

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus extensively on the concept of tribute in the form of produce, it does address the broader theme of taxation and the obligations of subjects to their rulers. In Matthew 22:17-21, the Pharisees and Herodians question Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus' response, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's," underscores the principle of fulfilling civic duties, which in the ancient context often included the payment of tribute.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the concept of tribute in the Bible can be seen as a reflection of the broader theme of stewardship and the acknowledgment of authority. The produce of the land, as a form of tribute, signifies the recognition of the ruler's sovereignty and the subject's duty to contribute to the common good. This principle is consistent with the biblical understanding of God's ultimate sovereignty over creation and the responsibility of His people to honor Him with their resources.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The practice of exacting tribute in the form of produce was not unique to Israel but was a widespread custom in the ancient Near East. It served as a means of consolidating power, maintaining economic stability, and ensuring the sustenance of ruling authorities. The agricultural basis of tribute reflects the dependence of ancient societies on the land and its yield, highlighting the centrality of agriculture in biblical times.

In summary, the concept of tribute, particularly in the form of produce from the land, is a significant aspect of the biblical narrative. It illustrates the economic and political realities of the ancient world and provides insight into the relationship between rulers and their subjects, as well as the broader theological themes of authority and stewardship.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 8:15
And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 4:7
And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... Is it lawful to pay tribute unto Caesar ... were the real Publicani, or publicans, who
often underlet certain ... or, rather, "Whatever I have wrongfully exacted of any ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

Chapter iv
... Minchah may be merely a "gift" or "tribute." But when ... The "and" before this word
is used, as often (cf ... if anyone slays Cain, vengeance shall be exacted sevenfold ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iv.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... uninterrupted chain of burying-places on the table-land. ... it out; a notice posted
up outside, often on the ... monuments of the New Empire, carrying tribute to the ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... thirty years, allowed their critical faculties, and often their imagination ... brutality
and stupidity: for, in addition to tribute, they exacted from every ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... conquered peoples to their conquerors was retarded, tribute was no ... which led from
the Iranian table-land to the ... vitality of which she had so often given proof ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... at least as much money as the tribute took out ... government', were soon so apparent
as to produce intrigues at ... restored to order, and, as was often customary in ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... at the first call,** must have been often tempted to ... they were accustomed in their
own land, they could ... pride and piety, would have been exacted and insisted ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... the Euphrates winds across a vast table-land, ridged with ... the narrows of the
Euphrates"so often mentioned in ... he affected to regard as a tribute, but Kharidi ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Holy See and the Wandering of the Nations.
... Often they broke into the Roman territory, and carried ... occupying, as allies free
of tribute, the provinces ... 408 he besieged Rome, and exacted considerable sums ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter i the holy see.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