Tribute, (prop. מִס, φόρος), an impost which one prince or state agrees, or is compelled, to pay to another, as the purchase of peace or in token of dependence.. In the Scriptures we find three forms of this requirement. SEE TAX.
I. Native. — The Hebrews acknowledged no other sovereign than-God; and in Exodus 30:12,15, we find they’ were required to pay tribute unto the Lord, to give an offering of half a shekel to “make an atonement for their souls.” The native kings and judges of the Hebrews did not exact tribute. Solomon, indeed, at the beginning of his reign, levied tribute from the Canaanites and others who remained in the land and were not of Israel, and compelled them to hard servitude (1 Kings 9:21-23; 2 Chronicles 8:9); but the children of Israel were exempted from that impost, and employed in the more honorable departments and offices of his kingdom. Towards the end of his reign, however, he appears to have imposed tribute upon the Jews also, and to have compelled them to work upon the public buildings (1 Kings 5:13-14; 9:15; 11:27). This had the effect of gradually alienating their minds, and of producing that discontent which afterwards resulted in open revolt under Jeroboam, son of Nebat. “Thy father made our yoke grievous,” said the Israelites to Rehoboam; “now, therefore, make thou the grievous service of thy father and his heavy yoke which he put upon us lighter, and we will serve thee” (1 Kings 12:4). SEE ASSESSMENT.
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Author: McClintock and Strong Cyclopedia
Keywords: Tribute
Bible reference(s): 1 Kings 11:27, 1 Kings 12:4, 1 Kings 5:13, 1 Kings 9:21, 1 Peter 2:13, 2 Chronicles 8:9, Exodus 30:12, John 8:33, Matthew 17:24, Matthew 22:17, Romans 13:1
Source: John McClintock and James Strong, Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.