Taxes and Tariffs

“Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt, valid to this day, that Pharaoh was to have the fifth; only the land of the priests did not become Pharaoh’s” (Genesis 47:26, NASB). In their 2016 book, War by Other Means, Robert Blackwill and Jennifer Harris argue that the United States has not historically been as aggressive as many countries in using economic tools to reach its political goals. President Trump has made trade tariffs a key part of his foreign policy for two purposes: to generate tax revenue for the government and to protect local industries by making imported goods more costly.

This has been common since ancient times. For example, the Roman Empire imposed tariffs on imported goods to support local production and boost tax income. Similarly, during the Middle Ages, European monarchs often levied tariffs on merchant ships, leading to the development of trade routes and markets that encouraged regional commerce.

Tariffs grew during the 18th and 19th centuries as mercantilism grew and led to both increased national power and wealth through trade. Countries began imposing high tariffs on imports to protect their emerging industries and ensure trade surpluses. The Navigation Acts in England, for example, restricted colonial trade to English ships to maintain control and gain economic advantages for the mother country.

Trade Wars

The Industrial Revolution drastically altered the economic landscape. As industries expanded and economies became more interconnected, a more structured tariff system emerged. The United States enacted its first significant tariff in 1789, designed to support the emerging economy by shielding American manufacturers and generating essential revenue. This led to tariff debates between Southern agrarians and Northern industrialists.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries experienced rising tensions over tariffs, resulting in important laws aimed at regulating trade. The Tariff Act of 1890 (the McKinley Tariff) increased import duties to historic highs, provoking strong opposition and fueling the growth of the Progressive Movement, a broad period of social activism and political reform in the United States that lasted from the 1890s to the 1920s. It tackled issues like political corruption, poverty, social inequality, and the negative impacts of industrialization. In response to the economic collapse during the Great Depression, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930 raised tariffs to protect American industries but ultimately led to retaliation from other countries and worsened the global economic outlook.

After World War II, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), established in 1947, signaled a major shift toward multilateral trade deals focused on lowering tariffs and promoting international cooperation. This was a transformative time because countries recognized that reducing trade barriers was crucial for economic recovery and growth.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the dynamics of tariffs continued to evolve. The World Trade Organization (WTO), established in 1995, further promoted tariff reductions and supported free trade principles among nations. However, the recent surge in protectionist sentiments has reignited debates over tariffs. Notably, the trade war between the United World Trade Organization States and China involved substantial tariff increases, prompting discussions on how to balance protecting
domestic industries with fostering global trade. Both Jesus and Paul confirmed our duty to follow tribute laws (Mark 12:17, Romans 13:1-7).

Joseph’s Tariff

The example of Joseph, while vizier of Egypt, clearly shows how cooperation can benefit all aspects of governance. He established a land law requiring the Egyptian people to pay a 20% tax on their harvest to Pharaoh. As detailed in Genesis, this was a crucial strategy that helped prevent starvation during a famine. After interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph advised him to store surplus grain during the seven years of abundance, preparing for the next seven years of famine (Genesis 41:29-30). This not only demonstrated Joseph’s wisdom but also highlighted his role as a savior for Egypt and his family. (Although it eventually led to the enslavement of the Hebrew people after Joseph died and a new Pharaoh took over.) When famine struck, the stored grain became a lifeline for many. “And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread; and Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, ‘Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do’” (Genesis 41:55). Joseph implemented a system where grain was sold at a fair price, enabling the people to sustain themselves while maintaining economic stability.

Furthermore, the collected tariffs helped Egypt build wealth and gather resources during a key period. By establishing this system, Joseph not only prevented his family from starving but also laid the foundation for Egypt’s future prosperity. Joseph’s actions during the famine demonstrate strategic planning and resource management in times of crisis, reflecting themes of foresight and responsibility seen throughout biblical stories. This approach differed from Solomon’s, whose taxes funded large-scale building projects like the Temple and his palace. 1 Kings 4:7 and 1 Kings 9:15-23 also describe how these taxes and forced labor, especially of non-Israelite people, supported these works (1 Kings 12:4, 2 Chronicles 10:4).

Joseph’s motivation was different from that of both Solomon and modern leaders. The Apostle Paul mentions Joseph among his extensive list of faith heroes. The faith of these heroes, demonstrated in their life stories, earned them a “good report” before God (Hebrews 11:2). Paul explains that their faith was driven by their hope for a better, heavenly country (Hebrews 11:13‑14, 16).

Joseph’s faith gave him the confidence to speak before Pharaoh and to deliver the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream. “And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. And for that, the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass” (Genesis 41:16, 32).

Joseph wisely distributed essential food to the people of Egypt. However, it was not given freely but sold at a price. When people ran out of money, Joseph required them to trade their cattle, horses, and flocks. When these were gone, they sold their lands and, ultimately, even themselves to become servants of Pharaoh (Genesis 47:13-19). This progression demonstrates the increasing commitment people are willing to make to God and His kingdom. As the world recognizes its ongoing need for spiritual nourishment and growth, they will surrender themselves to Jesus, illustrating their full dedication as servants of God (see Proverbs 23:26, Revelation 21:24).

Joseph’s life was a human drama illustrating how one man was used by God to save his family and all the inhabitants of Egypt. The similarities between the experiences of Joseph and our Lord’s life, both past and future, are clear. Jesus was sent into the world to preserve life. It was a sacrifice full of suffering. Yet, it was a price he willingly paid because he understood the great benefits it would bring to humanity. During his earthly life, most of his brethren “knew him not” (John 1:10). But someday they will understand what he did for them and for each of us, and all will rejoice that the Son of Man now serves the Great King of the Universe. All will enjoy the rewards of the long- promised kingdom. How joyful we are that the antitypical Joseph made himself a willing servant, fulfilled dreams, and is now a capable minister to mankind.