How many of us have to file forms to obtain or retain exemptions? The process can be frustrating, redundant and sometimes downright painful. We know that getting the exemption is a good thing but the process of getting it, not so much. But it could be worse. In doing a little historical research I found a guy who had to kill a giant to get his property taxes exempt. Many of you are familiar with the story of David and Goliath but did you know a property tax exemption was involved?
Saul, King of the Israelites, was at war with the Philistines and both armies were camped across from each other at somewhat of a stalemate. Goliath was the annoying giant (early historians have his height somewhere between 7 and 9 feet tall) who daily taunted the Israelites to send out their best fighter for a one on one cage match to end the stalemate. Saul didn’t have a giant to put into the fight so he offered a property tax exemption.
I Samuel 17:25 “ Now the Israelites had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out? He comes out to defy Israel. The king will give great wealth to the man who kills him. He will also give him his daughter in marriage and will exempt his family from taxes in Israel.”
David killed the giant, got the exemption and even got a wife in the deal. Bonus. Somewhere in later history, the practice of getting a spouse with your property tax exemption was stopped. Putting things in context, when you’re frustrated with having to fill out those pesky exemption forms at least you didn’t have to get into a cage match with a giant.
