This verse from 1 Esdras 4:53 is part of a larger narrative about Zerubbabel's success in winning a contest to speak the truth before King Darius. As a reward, Darius grants Zerubbabel's request to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. This specific verse details one of the key provisions made by Darius to facilitate the rebuilding project.
Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"and that all those who should come from Babylonia to build the city...": This refers to the Jewish exiles who were residing in Babylonia at the time. King Darius grants permission (and perhaps encouragement) for them to return to Jerusalem specifically to participate in the rebuilding of the city and the Temple.
"...should have their freedom, as well they as their posterity...": This is a crucial point. It guarantees the freedom not only of those who return to Jerusalem to work but also their descendants ("posterity"). This freedom could include being free from forced labor, excessive taxation, or other forms of oppression that they might have faced in Babylonia. It's about establishing a free and independent community in Jerusalem.
"...and all the priests that came.": This emphasizes that the priests, who were essential for re-establishing Temple worship and the religious life of the Jewish community, would also be granted freedom and protection. The mention of priests separately highlights their special role and ensures that they would be able to perform their duties without impediment.
In essence, this verse represents a royal decree granting amnesty and freedom to Jewish exiles who return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the Temple, securing a future for themselves and their children. It is a declaration that those involved in the rebuilding would have liberty and security, particularly including the priestly class necessary for the restoration of Temple worship. This freedom is essential for the successful re-establishment of the Jewish community in their homeland.
This verse from 1 Esdras 4:53 is part of a larger narrative about Zerubbabel's success in winning a contest to speak the truth before King Darius. As a reward, Darius grants Zerubbabel's request to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. This specific verse details one of the key provisions made by Darius to facilitate the rebuilding project.
Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"and that all those who should come from Babylonia to build the city...": This refers to the Jewish exiles who were residing in Babylonia at the time. King Darius grants permission (and perhaps encouragement) for them to return to Jerusalem specifically to participate in the rebuilding of the city and the Temple.
"...should have their freedom, as well they as their posterity...": This is a crucial point. It guarantees the freedom not only of those who return to Jerusalem to work but also their descendants ("posterity"). This freedom could include being free from forced labor, excessive taxation, or other forms of oppression that they might have faced in Babylonia. It's about establishing a free and independent community in Jerusalem.
"...and all the priests that came.": This emphasizes that the priests, who were essential for re-establishing Temple worship and the religious life of the Jewish community, would also be granted freedom and protection. The mention of priests separately highlights their special role and ensures that they would be able to perform their duties without impediment.
In essence, this verse represents a royal decree granting amnesty and freedom to Jewish exiles who return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the Temple, securing a future for themselves and their children. It is a declaration that those involved in the rebuilding would have liberty and security, particularly including the priestly class necessary for the restoration of Temple worship. This freedom is essential for the successful re-establishment of the Jewish community in their homeland.
