Download or read book Temples, Tithes, and Taxes written by Marty E. Stevens and published by Hendrickson Pub. This book was released on 2006 with total page 209 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this study of the economic functions of the Jerusalem temple, Marty Stevens demonstrates that the temple acted as the central bank, internal revenue collector, source of loans, and even debt collector for ancient Israel. Applying a broad knowledge of temple systems throughout the ancient Near East, Stevens sheds light on the roles played by various officials mentioned in Scripture and their tasks within the temple complex. Neither "Big Brother" nor "big business," the temple still served government and commerce in the course of conducting its religious functions.