Topical Bible: Dedication: Subjects of Tribute from Foreigners

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of dedication often involves the act of setting apart or consecrating something or someone for a specific purpose, usually in service to God. This dedication can also extend to the tribute or offerings given by foreigners, which are seen as acts of reverence and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

Biblical Instances of Tribute from Foreigners

1. The Queen of Sheba's Visit to Solomon: One of the most notable instances of tribute from foreigners is the visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon. In 1 Kings 10:1-10, the Queen of Sheba, having heard of Solomon's wisdom and his relationship with the LORD, visits him to test his wisdom with hard questions. She brings with her a great caravan of spices, gold, and precious stones. The Berean Standard Bible records, "And she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again did such an abundance of spices come in as those the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon" (1 Kings 10:10). This tribute signifies recognition of Solomon's God-given wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom.

2. Tribute to King David: During King David's reign, several foreign nations brought tribute as a sign of submission and acknowledgment of his rule. In 2 Samuel 8:2, David defeated the Moabites and made them his subjects, requiring them to bring tribute. Similarly, in 2 Samuel 8:6, after defeating the Arameans, they also brought tribute to David. These acts of tribute are seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to establish David's kingdom and extend his influence over surrounding nations.

3. The Magi's Gifts to Jesus: In the New Testament, the visit of the Magi to the young Jesus is a profound example of tribute from foreigners. Matthew 2:1-12 describes how wise men from the East came to worship the newborn King of the Jews, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Berean Standard Bible states, "On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh" (Matthew 2:11). These gifts symbolize the recognition of Jesus' kingship and divine nature by Gentiles, foreshadowing the global reach of His ministry.

Theological Significance

The dedication of tribute from foreigners in the Bible underscores the universal acknowledgment of God's authority and the fulfillment of His promises to His people. These acts of tribute are not merely political or economic transactions but are deeply spiritual, reflecting the recognition of God's chosen leaders and His divine plan. They serve as a testament to God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to draw people from every corner of the earth to honor Him.

Prophetic Fulfillment

The prophetic literature of the Old Testament often speaks of a time when nations will bring tribute to the God of Israel. Isaiah 60:5-7 envisions a future where the wealth of nations will come to God's people, and foreigners will serve in the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The Berean Standard Bible captures this vision: "Then you will look and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and swell with joy, because the riches of the sea will be brought to you, and the wealth of the nations will come to you" (Isaiah 60:5). This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in the eschatological vision of the New Jerusalem, where the glory and honor of the nations are brought into the city (Revelation 21:24-26).

In summary, the dedication of tribute from foreigners in the biblical context is a multifaceted theme that highlights God's sovereignty, the fulfillment of His promises, and the universal recognition of His chosen leaders and His divine plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 8:10,11
Then Toi sent Joram his son to king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... hand, betray any indecision in command, his subjects will become ... The tribute of the
Lotanu was represented on the ... to preside in person at its dedication on one ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... and did not hesitate to assassinate one of his subjects in order ... Taking the tribute
paid by ... probably the couplet recited by Solomon at the dedication of the ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... everything by their brutality and stupidity: for, in addition to tribute, they exacted ...
His subjects, as vassals of the Scythians, joined them in their acts of ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... and the Karasu when united yield their tribute to the ... legitimatized his usurpation
in the eyes of his subjects. ... have come to light, but the dedication of one ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm