Prayer: Father, I give You tribute today for my salvation which was purchased on the cross of Calvary by the Your Son Yeshua. I am forever grateful for the cross. Praise, glory, and adoration I give to You. Amen.
Reading: 1 Kings 5 key: vs. 1 “Now Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines up to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.” TLV
Attention: Over the past few years, the issue has been voiced about NATO countries who have agreed to pay 2% of their GDP and have not met their commitment. The purpose of the NATO Alliance is to have a shared burden for defense expenditures. To this point in time, the commitments have been volunteered.
In our scripture today, Solomon was receiving tribute from surrounding nations in recognition of Israel’s power secured during David’s reign and Adonai’s blessing on Israel.
According to Holman’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, tribute is defined as, “Any payment exacted by a superior power, usually a state, from an inferior one. The weaker state, called a vassal state, normally contributed a specified amount of gold, silver, or other commodities on a yearly basis. The imposition of tribute demonstrated the subservient status of the vassal state, thus undermining political autonomy and often causing financial weakness. Powerful nations collected tribute from both hostile states and allies. Refusal to render tribute by either was regarded as rebellion and normally resulted in military reprisals (pg. 1625).”
This scripture passage does not clarify whether the tribute which was being brought to Solomon was forced or voluntary; however, we are told of the daily requirements of Solomon’s household. It took twelve men to coordinate the monthly meals for everyone who came to Solomon’s table, plus the keep of horses and military. We are also told of a neighboring King Hiram, who was a friend of David’s, who sent word to Solomon that his nation of Tyre would provide the cedar wood for the Temple. In return, Solomon offered wheat and oil and together they cut a covenant.
There was forced labor on Israel. It took 30,000 men in shifts of “one month in Lebanon, then two months at home” (vs.28). Additionally, Solomon had “70,000 porters, and 80,000 stone cutters in the mountains, besides Solomon’s chief officers that were over the work—3,300 who supervised the people who were doing the work” (vs. 29-30). The manpower required for the Temple project was massive.
Tribute is thought of mostly in terms of gold and silver. However, tribute can come in many forms. Solomon married many foreign women as a part of alliances. He may have acquired his many horses from neighboring nations. He secured the best cedar from king Hiram of Tyre.
Today, when we think of tribute, we think of some kind words of respect and admiration. This kind of tribute is voluntary and not forced. Please consider giving Adonai a tribute of praise and admiration today.
Action: I choose to give a tribute of praise to God today!
Yield: I choose to yield to God in giving Him all the glory today!
Engage: I choose to engage with the Holy Spirit in giving praise to Adonai.
Relationship: I choose today to live in intimate relationship with Adonai.
Prayer: Father, I give You praise today for the abundance of provision which You have given me over the span of my life. I give You glory today for my health and the health of my family and wife. I honor You today as the Sovereign King of both heaven and earth. Amen.
Memory Verse: Proverbs 3: 5-8 “Trust in Adonai with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear Adonai and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.” TLV
Music Video: Andrae Crouch—My Tribute https://youtu.be/WF0TcbY_Z8o?si=Bu7-G9dhXxlKQO8f
Remember, “Abide in Yeshua, today!”