Menahem and Taxes

There came against the land Pul the king of Assyria; and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand. And Menahem exacted the money of Israel, even of all the mighty men of wealth, of each man fifty shekels of silver, to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back, and stayed not there in the land. 2 Kings 15:19-20

Are people truly free if they are under the cruel hand of a foreign oppressor? Most would agree that that is not true freedom. Menahem reigned for ten years in Samaria after he murdered Shallum. However, it was Pul, the king of Assyria, who was truly ruling the northern kingdom of Israel. Menahem decided it was safer to pay off his greatest foe than to try and fight him. Verse 20 tells us that he exacted the money of Israel. He taxed all, including his most valiant of warriors, fifty shekels each to keep Pul away.

Sadly, this is the practice of many New Testament Christians today. We do all we can to stay safe from tribulation and trial. Many believe that not taking a stand for truth will keep us safe. It may work for a little while. Yet, this payment will not buy peace forever. In a very short time, the Assyrians will exact God’s judgment on Israel.

What price will you pay to stay at peace with godless men who could not care less if you were gone? What price will you pay to not rock the boat or shake things up in the brotherhood when error is being passed as truth? These are the questions we must ask. In our country, in days past, the mob was known for collecting a protection tax. Merchants would pay a “tax” so that the mob would not hurt them, destroy their business, or even kill them. Brethren, things do not have to be this way. We can stand on the truth of God even when we are staring at the enemy across the valley. King David stood firm, but, sadly, not many other kings after him would have the courage to stand and fight for truth. The Word of the Lord is sure He will bring judgment on those who make peace with the enemy. We should keep this in mind as we seek to be God’s people daily.

Grace and Peace,

R.D. Beavers

Comments

At the Feet of Jesus

How amazing it must have been to sit at the feet of Jesus. Have you thought much about that? What would it have been like to be around the Master? It was obviously life altering for His disciples, the majority of which (by historical accounts) would go on to violent deaths. Christians would go on to be persecuted throughout the centuries. Why? Jesus is worth the shame (Acts 5:41). Jesus is worth it all, because “there is no other name, under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). It is for this very reason we think about how amazing it would have been to personally sit at the feet of Jesus. To Talk to Him Must Have Been Tender Talking to Jesus must have been so tender. We know that He would tell people what they needed to hear, and sometimes that was rather forthright (see Matt. 23), but he was loving and compassionate to those who wanted to learn from Him. Remember when parents were b...

Don't Raise an Ahaz

Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign; and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: and he did not that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah his God, like David his father. But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations, whom Jehovah cast out from before the children of Israel. And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree . 2 Kings 16:2-4 When was the first time you drove a car? What about the first time you jumped off a diving board or gave a speech? After that first time, it certainly became easier. What about the first lie you told? Did it become easier? King Ahaz of Judah was evil and far from the example of David. Ahaz was the first to offer child sacrifices to t...

Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Marriage, divorce, and remarriage, or MDR, is one of the topics of the utmost importance. We all know someone that has been married, divorced, and/or remarried. So there is great interest in our marriages for the overall good of the church and the world in general. Stronger marriages help to make the church stronger. Stronger marriages make the world a better place and help to prevent some of the lasciviousness we see presently. When it comes to marriage, divorce, and remarriage, we must look to God’s Word to find the answers concerning these very personal and often emotionally charged subjects. Last year at Polishing the Pulpit, bro. Rob Whitacre brought out a very good way to describe what the Bible says with regard to DMR. I have adapted these points in my own words and I hope they will help you understand what God has said concerning the subject. God is the Only One that Can Authorize Marriage God created marriage in the Garden...

Ironworks

Search This Blog