Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "polls" is not directly referenced in the way modern society understands it, as a method of surveying public opinion. However, the concept of counting or numbering people, which is related to the idea of polls, is present in several biblical passages. The term "poll" in the King James Version often refers to the head or the act of counting individuals, as seen in the context of censuses or headcounts.
Census and Numbering in the BibleThe practice of taking a census, or numbering the people, is a recurring theme in the Scriptures. One of the most notable instances is found in the Book of Numbers, where God commands Moses to take a census of the Israelite community.
Numbers 1:2-3 states, "Take a census of the whole congregation of the Israelites by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years old or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army."
The purpose of this census was to organize the people for military service and to establish a clear understanding of the community's size and structure. This reflects the importance of order and preparation in the life of the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness.
David's CensusAnother significant instance of a census is found in
2 Samuel 24 and
1 Chronicles 21, where King David orders a census of Israel and Judah. This act, however, incurs God's displeasure, leading to a severe plague upon the people.
2 Samuel 24:10 records David's realization of his sin: "After David had numbered the troops, his conscience was stricken, and he said to the LORD, 'I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, please take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.'"
David's census is often interpreted as an act of pride or reliance on human strength rather than trust in God's provision and protection. This event underscores the importance of humility and dependence on God rather than on human resources or numbers.
Poll TaxThe concept of a poll tax, a tax levied on individuals, is also present in the Bible. In
Exodus 30:11-16, God instructs Moses regarding the atonement money to be collected from each Israelite as a ransom for their lives. This half-shekel offering was to be given by every man twenty years old and above, serving as a means of supporting the tabernacle service and as a reminder of their redemption.
In the New Testament, the issue of paying taxes, including the poll tax, is addressed in the context of Roman rule. In
Matthew 22:17-21 , the Pharisees question Jesus about the lawfulness of paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus responds, "Show Me the coin used for the tax." When they brought Him a denarius, He asked, "Whose image is this, and whose inscription?" "Caesar’s," they answered. So Jesus told them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s."
This passage highlights the principle of fulfilling civic duties while maintaining ultimate allegiance to God.
Spiritual ImplicationsWhile the Bible does not address polls in the modern sense, the underlying principles of accountability, stewardship, and reliance on God rather than human strength are evident in the biblical narratives involving censuses and taxation. These accounts serve as reminders of the importance of humility, obedience, and trust in God's sovereignty over all aspects of life.
Library
Arise, and Go into the City
... Acts 9:6. 1. "Tell the rector of Christ Church that if he doesn't call off the Woman's
Club, I'll bring the women of the streets to thepolls." And he added...
Chapter fifteen
... More than a hundred professing Christian disciples had failed to go to thepolls,
and many more than that number had voted with the whiskey men....
Only one Vote
... Women's hands, made hard by toil, were stretched to God for help in the decision.
The day grew late and yet Mr. Kent had not been to thepolls....
Chapter fourteen
... The excitement all over the city had reached its climax when thepolls closed at
six o'clock. Never before had there been such a contest in Raymond....
Connecticut at the Close of the Revolution
... and collected with the public tax, and paid out to the public teachers of religion
of the several denominations in proportion to the number ofpolls or families...
Chapter ten
... Was not the most Christian thing they could do to act as citizens in the matter,
fight the saloon at thepolls, elect good men to the city offices, and clean...
Explanatory Notes to the American Edition
... "Maranatha." Opening address at the meeting of Deputies.1891. "Gedrachtslyn
by de Stembus." (Line of Conduct at thePolls.) 1891....
A Wise Minister Will be Successful.
... send their ships about the streets on wheels with flags and sailors; send coaches
all over town, with handbills, to bring people up to thepolls"all to gain...
Certificate Laws and Western Land Bills
... sum of money received from the sale of the Western Lands should be apportioned among
the several school societies according to the list ofpolls and rateable...
Political Parties in Connecticut at the Beginning of the...
... a constitutional change. As one result of the defeat at thepolls, there
arose a wider sympathy for the defeated party. When the...
Thesaurus
Polls (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Polls (5 Occurrences). Numbers 1:2 Take ye the
sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after
...Poll (5 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) The place where the votes are cast or recorded; as, to go to thepolls.... 15.
(vt) To enter, aspolls or persons, in a list or register; to enroll, esp....
Registered (21 Occurrences)
... they declared their pedigrees after their families, by their fathers' houses, according
to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, by theirpolls...
Births (34 Occurrences)
... they declare their births, by their families, by the house of their fathers, in
the number of names from a son of twenty years and upward, by theirpolls, (YLT...
Census (24 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). 1 Chronicles 23:3 The Levites were numbered from thirty years old and
upward: and their number by theirpolls, man by man, was thirty-eight thousand....
Upward (74 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 23:3 The Levites were numbered from thirty years old and upward: and
their number by theirpolls, man by man, was thirty-eight thousand....
Counted (122 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 1 Chronicles 23:3 The Levites were numbered from thirty years old and
upward: and their number by theirpolls, man by man, was thirty-eight thousand....
Genealogical (26 Occurrences)
... of Reuben, Israel's first-born, their generations, by their families, by their fathers'
houses, according to the number of names, by theirpolls, every male...
Individually (6 Occurrences)
... Levi after their fathers' houses, even the heads of the fathers' houses of those
who were counted individually, in the number of names by theirpolls, who did...
Intimidation (1 Occurrence)
... (n.) The act of making timid or fearful or of deterring by threats; the state of
being intimidated; as, the voters were kept from thepolls by intimidation....
Resources
What does the Bible say about eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia)? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view the Roe vs. Wade decision? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is irreligion? | GotQuestions.orgPolls: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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