An "exactor" in biblical terms refers to an individual who is responsible for collecting taxes, tributes, or other forms of payments. This role is often associated with authority and power, as well as with the potential for abuse and corruption. The concept of an exactor is mentioned in various contexts within the Bible, highlighting both the administrative and moral implications of the position.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 60:17 : "Instead of bronze I will bring you gold; I will bring silver in place of iron, bronze instead of wood, and iron instead of stones. I will appoint peace as your governor and righteousness as your ruler." In this passage, the term "exactor" is translated as "ruler" or "taskmaster," indicating a position of authority. The verse speaks to a future time of prosperity and righteousness, contrasting the oppressive nature of earthly rulers with the peace and justice of God's kingdom.

2. Isaiah 14:4 : "you will sing this song of contempt against the king of Babylon: 'How the oppressor has ceased, and how his fury has ended!'" While the term "exactor" is not directly used in this verse, the concept is present in the depiction of the oppressive king of Babylon. The king's role as an oppressor can be likened to that of an exactor, who enforces burdensome demands on the people.

3. Nehemiah 5:4-5 : "Still others were saying, 'We have borrowed money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards. We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless because our fields and vineyards belong to others.'" This passage illustrates the heavy burden exactors could place on the people, leading to severe social and economic consequences. The Israelites were forced to borrow money to meet tax demands, resulting in the enslavement of their children.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient times, exactors were often seen as necessary but unpopular figures. They were responsible for ensuring that taxes and tributes were collected for the ruling authorities, whether local or imperial. This role was crucial for maintaining the economic stability of a kingdom or empire, but it also opened the door to potential exploitation and corruption. Exactors could demand more than what was due, enriching themselves at the expense of the populace.

The New Testament provides further insight into the perception of tax collectors, who were often equated with sinners due to their association with Roman authorities and their reputation for dishonesty. Jesus' interactions with tax collectors, such as Matthew and Zacchaeus, highlight the transformative power of grace and repentance, offering a counter-narrative to the negative stereotype of exactors.

Moral and Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the role of an exactor serves as a reminder of the fallen nature of human governance and the potential for power to corrupt. The Bible consistently calls for justice, mercy, and righteousness, contrasting the often oppressive nature of earthly rulers with the perfect justice of God. The prophetic vision of a future where peace and righteousness reign underscores the hope for a divine kingdom where exactors, as symbols of oppression, are no longer needed.

In summary, the concept of an exactor in the Bible encompasses both the practical role of tax collection and the broader themes of justice and righteousness. The biblical narrative challenges believers to seek a higher standard of governance, one that reflects God's character and His ultimate plan for humanity.(n.) One who exacts or demands by authority or right; hence, an extortioner; also, one unreasonably severe in injunctions or demands.5065. nagas -- to press, drive, oppress, exact
... 1), taskmaster (1), taskmasters (5). distress, driver, exactor, oppressor,
raiser of taxes, taskmaster. A primitive root; to drive ...
/hebrew/5065.htm - 6k

Concerning the Plea of "Pleasing the Husband. "
... Every husband is the exactor of chastity; but beauty, a believing (husband) does
not require, because we are not captivated by the same graces [173] which the ...
/.../tertullian/on the apparel of women/chapter iv concerning the plea of.htm

Prologue of Rufinus.
... And therefore, that I might not find you too grievous an exactor, I gave way, even
contrary to my resolution; on the condition and arrangement, however, that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen de principiis/prologue of rufinus.htm

The Centurion at the Cross.
... of is the one who, according to Roman custom, presided over the execution (hence
called by Seneca centurio supplicio pr??positus; or by Tacitus, exactor mortis ...
/.../schaff/the person of christ/the centurion at the cross.htm

Rhapsody
... Four of the stanzas express the fall of the Chaldean in four images: his uninterrupted
career has been a heaping up of usury, but the exactor shall come; it ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/rhapsody 2.htm

Some Places Bordering Upon Tsippor. Jeshanah. Ketsarah. Shihin.
... in Shihin, and the inhabitants of Ketsarah, which belongs to Tsippor, came down
to quench it; but he permitted them not, saying, 'Let the exactor exact his debt ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 83 some places bordering.htm

On the Communion of Believers with Christ, and Particularly with ...
... deliverance from the law, both as it is "the hand-writing which was against us,"
consisting of ceremonial institutions, and as it is the rigid exactor of what ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xlvi on the communion.htm

Psalm XL.
... He has not as yet given us possession of anything; He is a sponsible Promiser; a
faithful Paymaster: do you but show yourself a dutiful exactor of what is ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xl.htm

Epistle vii. To Candidus, Presbyter.
... "Nullus solidum integri ponderis calumnios?? approbationis obtentu recuset exactor,
excepto eo Gallico cujus aurum minore ??stimatione taxatur." Novella ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle vii to candidus presbyter.htm

The Difficulty of the Distinction Made in the Choice of one and ...
... against God?" [3594] And although assuredly in the one case you see a most benignant
benefactor, and in your own case a most righteous exactor, in neither case ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 17 the difficulty of the.htm

Whether it is Expedient to Take Vows?
... et Paulin.): "He is a kind and not a needy exactor, for he does not grow rich on
our payments, but makes those who pay Him grow rich in Him." And just as what ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is expedient to.htm

Exactor (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Exactor (9 Occurrences). ... (YLT). Job 3:18 Together prisoners
have been at ease, They have not heard the voice of an exactor, (YLT). ...
/e/exactor.htm - 9k

Exactors (8 Occurrences)

/e/exactors.htm - 9k

Officer (70 Occurrences)
... In Matthew 5:25 the term evidently means "bailiff" or exactor of the fine imposed
by the magistrate, and corresponds to praktor, used in Luke 12:58. T. Lewis. ...
/o/officer.htm - 30k

Returner (1 Occurrence)
... 8 And I have pitched for My house a camp, Because of the passer through, and of
the returner, And pass not through against them again doth an exactor, For, now ...
/r/returner.htm - 6k

Exactress (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A woman who is an exactor. Multi-Version
Concordance Exactress (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 14:4 that thou ...
/e/exactress.htm - 6k

Exactness (1 Occurrence)

/e/exactness.htm - 7k

Passer (9 Occurrences)
... 8 And I have pitched for My house a camp, Because of the passer through, and of
the returner, And pass not through against them again doth an exactor, For, now ...
/p/passer.htm - 9k

Antiochus
... BC 187) by his son, Seleucus Philopater, spoken of by Daniel (11:20) as "a raiser
of taxes", in the Revised Version, "one that shall cause an exactor to pass ...
/a/antiochus.htm - 17k

Returns (27 Occurrences)
... 8 And I have pitched for My house a camp, Because of the passer through, and of
the returner, And pass not through against them again doth an exactor, For, now ...
/r/returns.htm - 13k

Simile (61 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:4 That thou hast taken up this simile Concerning the king of Babylon,
and said, How hath the exactor ceased, (YLT). Jeremiah ...
/s/simile.htm - 22k

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