Topical Bible: Presents were Given: As Tribute

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In the biblical context, the giving of presents as tribute is a significant practice that reflects the political and social dynamics of the ancient Near East. Tributes were often given by subjugated peoples or vassal states to a dominant power or ruler as a sign of submission, allegiance, or to secure peace and protection. This practice is well-documented in various passages of the Bible, illustrating the relationships between different nations and leaders.

One of the earliest examples of tribute in the Bible is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. Although not a political tribute, Jacob sends gifts to Esau to appease him and seek reconciliation after years of estrangement. Genesis 32:13-15 describes Jacob's actions: "Jacob spent the night there, and from what he had brought with him, he selected a gift for his brother Esau: 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, 30 milk camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys."

In a more political context, the giving of tribute is seen in the relationship between Israel and surrounding nations. For instance, during the reign of King Solomon, many nations brought tribute to him, acknowledging his wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom. 1 Kings 10:24-25 states, "The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift—articles of silver and gold, garments, weapons, spices, horses, and mules."

The practice of giving tribute is also evident in the interactions between Israel and the Assyrian Empire. In 2 Kings 17:3 , we read about Hoshea, the king of Israel, who became a vassal to the Assyrian king Shalmaneser and paid him tribute: "Shalmaneser king of Assyria attacked him, and Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute."

Tribute was not only a means of maintaining peace but also a demonstration of the power and influence of the receiving king or nation. The tribute system often involved a variety of goods, including precious metals, livestock, and other valuable commodities, which were essential for the economic and political stability of the receiving kingdom.

In the New Testament, the concept of tribute is mentioned in the context of Roman rule over Judea. The Jewish leaders questioned Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar, which can be seen as a form of tribute. In Matthew 22:17-21 , Jesus responds, "Show Me the coin used for the tax." And they brought Him a denarius. "Whose image is this," He asked, "and whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they answered. So Jesus told them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

The giving of presents as tribute in the Bible underscores the complex relationships between nations and rulers, highlighting themes of power, submission, and diplomacy. It reflects the broader cultural and historical practices of the ancient world, where tribute served as a tool for maintaining order and asserting dominance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 3:15
But when the children of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man left handed: and by him the children of Israel sent a present to Eglon the king of Moab.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 8:2
And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 17:5
Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honor in abundance.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Different Nations Took up Arms against the Romans, of whom ...
... of this description, and was ordering as large a tribute as he ... sold at a low price;
while others were given away as slaves for presents, upon condition that ...
/.../chapter v the different nations took.htm

How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ...
... on both sides; but then David brought those presents that were ... Ziba, and told him
that he had given the youth ... the youth, Ziba and his sons, who were in number ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how david brought.htm

An Embassage to Caesar; and How Caesar Confirmed Herod's Testament ...
... one of them, they were to make liberal presents to himself ... That he had given a specimen
of his future virtue to ... them from acting unjustly, when they were by him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 an embassage to.htm

Of the Absence of any Discrepancies in the Accounts which the ...
... Mark also presents an almost entire identity with the above, both ... the occasion which
might seem to be given for supposing ... and said unto him, "If he were not a ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter viii of the absence of.htm

How Nebuzaradan Set Gedaliah Over the Jews that were Left in Judea ...
... men with him; and when he had feasted Ishmael, and those that were with him, in
a splendid manner at his table, and had given them presents, he became ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 how nebuzaradan set.htm

What Befell the Jews that were in Babylon on Occasion of Asineus ...
... be kind to me." When he had said this, and given Asineus some presents, he sent ... Those
Parthian governors also, who were sent that way, paid him great ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 what befell the.htm

Concerning the Famine that Happened in Judea and Syria; and How ...
... distinct magnitudes, and had particular names given them; for ... orations he made to
the cities were very fine ... with their governors, and bestowed presents on every ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the famine.htm

How Cleopatra, when She had Gotten from Antony Some Parts of Judea ...
... putting her to death, if such were her endeavors ... treated Cleopatra kindly, and made
her presents, and conducted ... for that country which Antony had given her, he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how cleopatra when.htm

Jesus, Son of God.
... The account of His trial as given by Luke is ... He had taught quite openly, and there
were hundreds who ... And accordingly after examining Him he presents Him to the ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xxii jesus son of god.htm

Concerning the Fortitude of Samson, and what Mischiefs He Brought ...
... the Philistines overcame the Israelites, and received tribute of them ... to observe
the injunctions that were given her; and ... with the rest of his presents, to the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 concerning the fortitude.htm