Topical Bible: Tribute: The Jews Required to Pay Half a Shekel to God As

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of ancient Israel, the concept of tribute often refers to a form of tax or offering given to God as a sign of devotion and obedience. One significant instance of this is the requirement for the Israelites to pay a half-shekel as a tribute to God, as outlined in the Old Testament.

Biblical Foundation

The requirement for the Israelites to pay a half-shekel is established in the Book of Exodus. In Exodus 30:11-16 , God commands Moses to collect a half-shekel from every Israelite twenty years old and above as a ransom for their lives. This payment was to be made whenever a census was taken, serving as a means to prevent a plague among the people. The passage states:

"When you take a census of the Israelites to number them, each one must pay the LORD a ransom for his life when he is counted. Then no plague will come upon them when you number them. Each one who crosses over to those already counted is to give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD." (Exodus 30:12-13)

The half-shekel tribute was not merely a financial transaction but a symbolic act of atonement and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over the people of Israel. It was a reminder of their dependence on God for protection and provision.

Purpose and Use

The funds collected from this tribute were designated for the service of the Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness and their early years in the Promised Land. The half-shekel tribute helped maintain the Tabernacle and support the priests and Levites who ministered there.

"This money from the Israelites is to be used for the service of the Tent of Meeting. It will serve as a memorial for the Israelites before the LORD, making atonement for your lives." (Exodus 30:16)

Theological Significance

Theologically, the half-shekel tribute underscores the principle of equality before God. Every Israelite, regardless of wealth or status, was required to pay the same amount. This uniformity highlights the idea that all individuals are equal in their need for atonement and redemption. The tribute also serves as a tangible expression of the covenant relationship between God and His people, reinforcing their identity as a chosen nation set apart for His purposes.

Historical Context

Historically, the practice of paying a half-shekel continued into the Second Temple period. It became a regular annual tax known as the Temple tax, which was used to support the ongoing functions of the Temple in Jerusalem. This practice is referenced in the New Testament, where Jesus addresses the issue of paying the Temple tax in Matthew 17:24-27.

Cultural and Religious Impact

The half-shekel tribute has had a lasting impact on Jewish culture and religious practice. It is a testament to the enduring importance of communal responsibility and the collective support of religious institutions. The tribute also serves as a reminder of the Israelites' historical journey and their ongoing relationship with God.

In summary, the half-shekel tribute was a divinely instituted practice that held significant religious, cultural, and theological implications for the people of Israel. It was a means of atonement, a symbol of equality, and a practical support for the worship and service of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 30:12-16
When you take the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul to the LORD, when you number them; that there be no plague among them, when you number them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Coin in the Fish's Mouth
... very fact that it was so, would make Jews who were ... He bids His disciple pay the tribute
for Him, for ... the fish's mouth is precisely the amount required for both ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the coin in the fishs.htm

The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign.
... than were equivalent to the Temple-tribute were proffered ... pass the immense votive
offerings of foreign Jews, or of ... from its officials what was required for the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v the cleansing of.htm

What Befell the Jews that were in Babylon on Occasion of Asineus ...
... and ordered them to pay them so much tribute out of ... and sent them as many sheep as
were required of them ... day [it was the sabbath, which is among the Jews a day ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 what befell the.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... branch of Agur's prayer: "One thing have I required of thee ... the posterity of Esau,
and by the consequent tribute paid by that nation to the Jews, were the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... The roads to the cities of refuge required to be always ... "Is it lawful to pay tribute
unto Caesar ... shows, how much it was agitated among patriotic Jews; and it ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

The World Turned Upside Down
... that are God's?" Did he not himself pay tribute though he sent ... We believe that what
these Jews said of the Apostles ... this night shall thy soul be required of thee ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the world turned upside down.htm