Taxes: First mentioned in the command
(Exodus 30:11-16) that every Jew from twenty
years and upward should pay an annual tax of "half a shekel for an
offering to the Lord." This enactment was faithfully observed for
many generations
(2 Chronicles 24:6; Matthew 17:24) Afterwards, when the people had
kings to reign over them, they began, as Samuel had warned them
(1 Samuel 8:10-18) to pay taxes for civil purposes
(1 Kings 4:7; 9:15; 12:4)
Such taxes, in increased amount, were afterwards paid to the foreign
princes that ruled over them. In the New Testament the payment of
taxes, imposed by lawful rulers, is enjoined as a duty
(Romans 13:1-7)
(1 Peter 2:13,14) Mention is made of
1. the tax (telos) on merchandise and travellers
(Matthew 17:25)
