Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of tribute was a common practice, often involving the payment of money or goods to a ruling authority as a sign of submission or allegiance. This practice is evident in various passages throughout the Bible, reflecting the socio-political dynamics of the ancient Near East and the Roman Empire.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, tribute is frequently mentioned in the context of Israel's interactions with surrounding nations. For instance, during the reign of King Solomon, Israel was a dominant power, and many neighboring nations brought tribute to him, acknowledging his authority and seeking peace. In 1 Kings 10:25 , it is recorded: "Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift—articles of silver and gold, garments, weapons, spices, horses, and mules." Conversely, when Israel was subjugated by foreign powers, they were often required to pay tribute. An example of this is found in 2 Kings 17:3, where the Assyrian king Shalmaneser exacted tribute from Hoshea, the king of Israel: "Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against him, and Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of tribute is most prominently featured in the context of Roman taxation. The Roman Empire imposed various taxes on its provinces, including Judea, where Jesus lived and ministered. The issue of paying tribute to the Roman authorities was a contentious one among the Jewish people, who resented the Roman occupation. One of the most well-known passages addressing this issue is found in Matthew 22:17-21 , where the Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. They ask, "Tell us then, what is Your opinion? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" Jesus, perceiving their malice, responds by asking for a denarius and inquiring whose image and inscription are on it. When they answer, "Caesar's," He replies, "So give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." This response highlights the distinction between earthly and divine obligations, affirming the legitimacy of paying tribute to governing authorities while maintaining ultimate allegiance to God. Theological Implications The payment of tribute in the Bible underscores the principle of respecting and submitting to governing authorities, as articulated by the Apostle Paul in Romans 13:1-7 . Paul writes, "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established." He further instructs believers to pay taxes and give respect and honor to whom it is due. From a theological perspective, the practice of giving tribute serves as a reminder of the believer's dual citizenship: one in the earthly realm, requiring adherence to civil duties, and the other in the heavenly kingdom, demanding ultimate loyalty to God. This dual responsibility calls for wisdom and discernment in navigating the complexities of living faithfully under human governance while prioritizing one's commitment to God's sovereign rule. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 23:33And Pharaohnechoh put him in bands at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the land to a tribute of an hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 22:19 Library Jesus Pays the Tribute Money. The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the ... Letter Lvii. St. Ambrose Informs the Emperor Eugenius Why He was ... Given to Abstraction of Thought. Cases in Point. Opinion of ... The Syrian Persecution. The Revised Missionary Motto. The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the ... The Stater in the Fish. (Matt. , xvii. , 27. ) Jesus and the Bethany Sisters. And Forgive us Our Debts as we Also have Forgiven Our Debtors Resources Why is the love of money the root of all kinds of evil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is miracle money, and is it biblical to seek it? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about saving money? | GotQuestions.org Money: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Money Changers: General Scriptures Concerning Money of the Jews Regulated by the Standard of Sanctuary Money of the Romans, Stamped With the Image of Caesar Money was Current With the Merchants Money was Given for Merchandise Money was Given: Custom of Presenting a Piece of Money was Given: Love of, the Root of all Evil Money was Given: Power and Usefulness of Money: Brass Introduced As, by the Romans Money: Gold and Silver Used As Money: Jews Forbidden to Take Usury For Money: Love of, the Root of Evil Money: Originally Stamped With the Image of a Lamb Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Farthing Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Fourth of a Shekel Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Gerah the Twentieth of a Shekel Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Half Shekel or Bekah Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Mite Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Penny Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Pound Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Shekel of Silver Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Talent of Gold Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Talent of Silver Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Third of a Shekel Money: Usually Taken by Weight Money: Value of, Varied Corruptly Related Terms Money-changers (5 Occurrences) Redemption-money (3 Occurrences) |
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