The concept of tribute to Assyria is a significant theme in the historical and prophetic books of the Old Testament. Tribute, in the ancient Near Eastern context, was a form of payment made by one nation to a more powerful empire, often as a sign of submission or in exchange for protection. The Assyrian Empire, known for its military prowess and expansive conquests, frequently imposed tribute on the nations it dominated, including the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

Historical Context

The Assyrian Empire, at its height between the 9th and 7th centuries BC, was a dominant force in the ancient Near East. Its capital cities, such as Nineveh and Ashur, were centers of power and culture. The Assyrians were known for their advanced military strategies and their ability to subjugate neighboring nations. As a result, many smaller kingdoms, including those in the Levant, were compelled to pay tribute to avoid destruction or further military aggression.

Biblical References

1. 2 Kings 15:19-20 : "Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver to gain his support and strengthen his own hold on the kingdom. Menahem exacted this money from each of the wealthy men of Israel—fifty shekels of silver from each man—to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria withdrew and did not remain in the land."

This passage describes how Menahem, king of Israel, paid a substantial tribute to Pul (Tiglath-Pileser III), the king of Assyria, to secure his reign and prevent further invasion. The payment was extracted from the wealthy men of Israel, indicating the heavy burden placed on the people to satisfy Assyrian demands.

2. 2 Kings 16:7-8 : "So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, saying, 'I am your servant and your vassal. Come up and save me out of the hand of the king of Aram and the king of Israel, who are rising up against me.' Ahaz also took the silver and gold found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace and sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria."

King Ahaz of Judah sought the aid of Tiglath-Pileser III against his enemies by offering tribute. This act of submission involved taking treasures from the temple and royal palace, highlighting the desperation and the extent to which Judah was willing to go to secure Assyrian support.

3. 2 Kings 18:14-16 : "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 gave him all the silver found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace. At that time Hezekiah stripped the gold from the doors of the temple of the LORD and from the doorposts he had overlaid and gave it to the king of Assyria."

In this account, King Hezekiah of Judah, facing the threat of Assyrian invasion, agreed to pay a heavy tribute to Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. The tribute included silver and gold from the temple, demonstrating the severe impact of Assyrian demands on the religious and economic life of Judah.

Prophetic Insights

The prophets of Israel and Judah often spoke against reliance on foreign powers, including Assyria, for security. They warned that such alliances and tributes were acts of faithlessness toward God, who alone was the true protector of His people.

1. Isaiah 30:1-2 : "Woe to the obstinate children, declares the LORD, who carry out a plan that is not Mine, forming an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. They set out to go down to Egypt without consulting Me, to seek help from Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shadow."

Although this passage specifically mentions Egypt, the principle applies to Assyria as well. The prophets condemned the reliance on foreign alliances and tributes, urging the people to trust in God instead.

2. Hosea 5:13 : "When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king for help. But he is unable to cure you or heal your wound."

Hosea criticizes the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) for seeking help from Assyria, emphasizing that such reliance would not bring true healing or security.

Theological Implications

The payment of tribute to Assyria serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and lack of faith in God. The kings of Israel and Judah, by turning to Assyria for help, often neglected their covenantal relationship with God, leading to further spiritual and political decline. The biblical narrative underscores the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than relying on human alliances and wealth.