This verse, from 1 Esdras 4:50, refers to a decree granted by King Darius to the Jewish people following the successful rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break down the meaning:
"and that all the country which they occupied should be free to them without tribute": This means that the land the Jewish people currently inhabited would be theirs, and they would not have to pay any taxes or tribute to the Persian Empire for it. It grants them tax exemption within their existing territory.
"and that the Edomites should give over the villages of the Jews which then they held": The Edomites were a neighboring people to the south of Judea. Over time, particularly during times of Jewish weakness or exile, they had taken control of some Jewish villages. This part of the decree orders the Edomites to relinquish these villages and return them to Jewish control. It aims to restore the historical borders and land rights of the Jewish people.
In summary, this verse signifies a restoration of Jewish autonomy and territory under Persian rule. It grants them tax freedom within their existing lands and the return of villages seized by the Edomites, solidifying their position and authority in the region.
This verse, from 1 Esdras 4:50, refers to a decree granted by King Darius to the Jewish people following the successful rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break down the meaning:
"and that all the country which they occupied should be free to them without tribute": This means that the land the Jewish people currently inhabited would be theirs, and they would not have to pay any taxes or tribute to the Persian Empire for it. It grants them tax exemption within their existing territory.
"and that the Edomites should give over the villages of the Jews which then they held": The Edomites were a neighboring people to the south of Judea. Over time, particularly during times of Jewish weakness or exile, they had taken control of some Jewish villages. This part of the decree orders the Edomites to relinquish these villages and return them to Jewish control. It aims to restore the historical borders and land rights of the Jewish people.
In summary, this verse signifies a restoration of Jewish autonomy and territory under Persian rule. It grants them tax freedom within their existing lands and the return of villages seized by the Edomites, solidifying their position and authority in the region.
