Reference: Custom
Easton
a tax imposed by the Romans. The tax-gatherers were termed publicans (q.v.), who had their stations at the gates of cities, and in the public highways, and at the place set apart for that purpose, called the "receipt of custom" (Mt 9:9; Mr 2:14), where they collected the money that was to be paid on certain goods (Mt 17:25). These publicans were tempted to exact more from the people than was lawful, and were, in consequence of their extortions, objects of great hatred. The Pharisees would have no intercourse with them (Mt 5:46-47; 9:10-11).
A tax or tribute (q.v.) of half a shekel was annually paid by every adult Jew for the temple. It had to be paid in Jewish coin (Mt 22:17-19; Mr 12:14-15). Money-changers (q.v.) were necessary, to enable the Jews who came up to Jerusalem at the feasts to exchange their foreign coin for Jewish money; but as it was forbidden by the law to carry on such a traffic for emolument (De 23:19-20), our Lord drove them from the temple (Mt 21:12; Mr 11:15).
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Thou shalt be no usurer unto thy brother, neither in money nor in food, nor in any manner thing that is lent upon usury. Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury, but not unto thy brother, that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to conquer it.
For if ye love them which love you, what reward shall ye have? Do not the Publicans even so? And if ye be friendly to your brethren only, what singular thing do ye? Do not the Publicans likewise?
And as Jesus passed forth from thence he saw a man sit at the receipt of custom, named Matthew: and said to him, "Follow me." And he arose, and followed him. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down also with Jesus, and his disciples. read more. When the Pharisees saw that, they said unto his disciples, "Why eateth your master with publicans and sinners?"
He said, "Yea." And when he was come into the house, Jesus spake first to him, saying, "What thinkest thou Simon? Of whom do the kings of the earth take tribute, or poll money? Of their children, or of strangers?"
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that bought and sold in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves.
Tell us, therefore, how thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?" Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why tempt ye me ye hypocrites? read more. Let me see the tribute money." And they took him a penny.
And as Jesus passed by, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sit at the receipt of custom and said unto him, "Follow me." And he arose and followed him.
And they came to Jerusalem, and Jesus went into the temple: and began to cast out the sellers and buyers in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the stools of them that sold doves:
And as soon as they were come, they said unto him, "Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: For thou considerest not the degree of men, but teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful to pay tribute to Caesar, or not? Ought we to give, or ought we not to give?" He understood their dissimulation, and said unto them, "Why tempt ye me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it."
Hastings
This is to be carefully distinguished from 'tribute' (wh. see). The customs were paid on the value of goods, in Galilee and Per
Morish
The words halak, ?????, apparently allude to the duty paid on merchandise or produce, and should be distinguished from 'tribute.' Ezr 4:13,20; 7:24; Mt 17:25; Ro 13:7.
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Be it known also unto the king, that if this city be builded and the walls made up again, then shall not they pay tribute, toll, and yearly custom, and the king's profit shall incur damage?
There have been mighty kings also at Jerusalem which have reigned over all that is beyond the water, and toll, tribute and a yearly custom was given unto them.
And known be it unto you, that ye shall have no authority to require taxing and custom, yearly rents upon any of the priests, Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, and ministers in the house of this God.
He said, "Yea." And when he was come into the house, Jesus spake first to him, saying, "What thinkest thou Simon? Of whom do the kings of the earth take tribute, or poll money? Of their children, or of strangers?"
Give to every man therefore his duty: Tribute to whom tribute belongeth: Custom to whom custom is due: fear to whom fear belongeth: Honour to whom honour pertaineth.