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

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