Topical Encyclopedia Tribute-silver refers to the silver paid as a form of tax or tribute by one nation or people to another, often as a sign of submission or vassalage. In the biblical context, tribute-silver is frequently mentioned in the historical narratives of the Old Testament, where it often signifies the subjugation of Israel or Judah to foreign powers.Biblical References One of the earliest mentions of tribute-silver is found in the context of the reign of King Solomon. Solomon's wealth and the prosperity of his kingdom are highlighted in 1 Kings 10:25, where it is noted that "year after year, everyone who came brought a gift—articles of silver and gold, garments, weapons and spices, and horses and mules." Although not explicitly called tribute, these gifts can be seen as a form of tribute-silver, reflecting Solomon's influence and the respect he commanded from surrounding nations. In 2 Kings 15:19-20, tribute-silver is explicitly mentioned during the reign of Menahem, king of Israel. The passage states: "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 Israel, from all the wealthy men, 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." Here, tribute-silver is used as a political tool to secure peace and maintain sovereignty, albeit at a cost to the nation's wealth. Another significant instance is found in 2 Kings 23:33-35, during the reign of Jehoiakim, king of Judah. Pharaoh Necho of Egypt imposed a tribute on the land, and Jehoiakim collected silver and gold from the people of Judah to pay the tribute. The text states: "Pharaoh Necho put him in chains at Riblah in the land of Hamath so that he might not reign in Jerusalem, and he imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. Jehoiakim paid Pharaoh Necho the silver and gold demanded. He taxed the land to meet Pharaoh’s command. He exacted the silver and gold from the people of the land, each according to his assessment, to give it to Pharaoh Necho." Theological Significance From a theological perspective, the payment of tribute-silver often symbolizes the consequences of disobedience to God. The Israelites were warned that if they turned away from the Lord, they would become subject to foreign powers (Deuteronomy 28:15, 48). The imposition of tribute-silver serves as a tangible reminder of this covenantal warning, illustrating the loss of autonomy and the burden of subjugation that comes with forsaking God's commandments. Moreover, the requirement to pay tribute-silver underscores the theme of reliance on God versus reliance on human alliances and wealth. In times of distress, Israel and Judah frequently turned to foreign powers for help, often at the cost of paying tribute. This reliance on human strength rather than divine provision is critiqued by the prophets, who call the people back to trust in the Lord alone (Isaiah 31:1). Historical Context In the ancient Near East, the payment of tribute was a common practice among nations. It was a means of establishing and maintaining political relationships, often involving the exchange of wealth, goods, and even hostages. Tribute payments were typically made in precious metals, such as silver and gold, as well as other valuable commodities. The Assyrian and Babylonian empires, in particular, were known for their demands of tribute from vassal states. These payments were not only a source of revenue but also a demonstration of the empire's power and the subjugated nation's submission. The biblical accounts of tribute-silver reflect this broader historical practice, providing insight into the geopolitical dynamics of the time. Conclusion While tribute-silver in the Bible often signifies subjugation and the consequences of disobedience, it also serves as a reminder of the need for faithfulness to God and reliance on His provision. The narratives involving tribute-silver challenge believers to consider where they place their trust and to remain steadfast in their commitment to the Lord. Concordance Tribute-silver (1 Occurrence)2 Chronicles 17:11 Thesaurus Tribute-silver (1 Occurrence)Tribute-silver. Tribute-service, Tribute-silver. Trick . Multi-Version Concordance Tribute-silver (1 Occurrence). 2 ... /t/tribute-silver.htm - 6k Trick (11 Occurrences) Tribute-service (1 Occurrence) Gifts (144 Occurrences) Resources Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Jericho in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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