1 esdras 2:19 - Now if this city be built and the walls thereof be finished, they will not only refuse to give tribute, but will even stand up against kings.
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What does "1 esdras 2:19" mean?
This verse from 1 Esdras 2:19 expresses concern about the potential political and economic consequences of rebuilding Jerusalem and its walls. Let's break it down:
"Now if this city be built and the walls thereof be finished...": This sets the hypothetical scenario: Jerusalem, which had been destroyed, is restored and fortified.
"...they will not only refuse to give tribute...": Tribute was a form of tax or payment made by a conquered or dependent state to a more powerful ruler. The rebuilt Jerusalem is predicted to become independent and resist paying tribute to the empire that controls them.
"...but will even stand up against kings.": This goes a step further, suggesting that Jerusalem will not just be passively resistant, but will actively oppose and fight against the authority of kings or empires. This implies a rebellious, defiant spirit.
In essence, the verse means that rebuilding Jerusalem is seen as a potential threat to the established political order. A fortified Jerusalem is predicted to become independent, refuse to pay taxes, and even rebel against its rulers.
Context within 1 Esdras:
This verse is spoken by the Persian officials to King Artaxerxes. They are trying to convince him not to allow the rebuilding of Jerusalem. They are painting a picture of Jerusalem as a troublesome, rebellious city that will cause problems for the empire if restored to its former strength. This speech is meant to instill fear in the king and persuade him to halt the rebuilding project.
1 esdras 2:19 - Now if this city be built and the walls thereof be finished, they will not only refuse to give tribute, but will even stand up against kings.
What does "1 esdras 2:19" mean?
This verse from 1 Esdras 2:19 expresses concern about the potential political and economic consequences of rebuilding Jerusalem and its walls. Let's break it down:
"Now if this city be built and the walls thereof be finished...": This sets the hypothetical scenario: Jerusalem, which had been destroyed, is restored and fortified.
"...they will not only refuse to give tribute...": Tribute was a form of tax or payment made by a conquered or dependent state to a more powerful ruler. The rebuilt Jerusalem is predicted to become independent and resist paying tribute to the empire that controls them.
"...but will even stand up against kings.": This goes a step further, suggesting that Jerusalem will not just be passively resistant, but will actively oppose and fight against the authority of kings or empires. This implies a rebellious, defiant spirit.
In essence, the verse means that rebuilding Jerusalem is seen as a potential threat to the established political order. A fortified Jerusalem is predicted to become independent, refuse to pay taxes, and even rebel against its rulers.
Context within 1 Esdras:
This verse is spoken by the Persian officials to King Artaxerxes. They are trying to convince him not to allow the rebuilding of Jerusalem. They are painting a picture of Jerusalem as a troublesome, rebellious city that will cause problems for the empire if restored to its former strength. This speech is meant to instill fear in the king and persuade him to halt the rebuilding project.