This verse from 1 Maccabees 11:35 is part of a letter or decree issued by Demetrius II Nicator, a Seleucid king, granting certain concessions to the Jewish people. Let's break down the meaning:
"And as for the other things that pertain to us from henceforth..." This is a general statement introducing the list of concessions. Demetrius is saying that he's going to grant the Jewish people more than just the previous things mentioned in the letter.
"...of the tenths and the tolls that pertain to us..."
Tenths (tithes): These were a portion (typically 10%) of agricultural produce that were traditionally given as offerings to the Temple in Jerusalem and to support the priests. Demetrius is likely relinquishing the Seleucid claim to collect a portion of these tithes.
Tolls (taxes): These were taxes levied on goods or merchandise passing through certain areas, often collected by the Seleucid authorities. Demetrius is giving up his right to collect these tolls from the Jewish people.
"...and the saltpits..." Salt was a valuable commodity in ancient times. Owning and controlling saltpits was a source of revenue. Demetrius is likely granting the Jewish people control or access to saltpits within their territory, allowing them to benefit from the salt trade.
"...and the crowns that pertain to us..."
The term "crowns" is subject to interpretation. In this context, it most likely refers to revenue collected from a certain tax or levy. It is unlikely to be referring to actual crowns.
"...all these we will bestow upon them." This is the key takeaway. Demetrius is giving up these sources of revenue and granting them to the Jewish people.
In summary, the verse means that Demetrius II Nicator is granting the Jewish people various economic concessions, including relinquishing his right to collect certain tithes, tolls, profits from saltpits, and potentially other taxes represented by the term "crowns."
Significance:
This verse is significant because it demonstrates the Seleucid king's attempt to win favor with the Jewish people. The Maccabean revolt had been ongoing, and the Seleucids were struggling to maintain control. By granting these concessions, Demetrius hoped to gain Jewish support or at least neutralize their opposition. These economic benefits would have strengthened the Jewish community and given them more autonomy. The concessions were likely a pragmatic political move intended to stabilize the region and secure his rule.
This verse from 1 Maccabees 11:35 is part of a letter or decree issued by Demetrius II Nicator, a Seleucid king, granting certain concessions to the Jewish people. Let's break down the meaning:
"And as for the other things that pertain to us from henceforth..." This is a general statement introducing the list of concessions. Demetrius is saying that he's going to grant the Jewish people more than just the previous things mentioned in the letter.
"...of the tenths and the tolls that pertain to us..."
Tenths (tithes): These were a portion (typically 10%) of agricultural produce that were traditionally given as offerings to the Temple in Jerusalem and to support the priests. Demetrius is likely relinquishing the Seleucid claim to collect a portion of these tithes.
Tolls (taxes): These were taxes levied on goods or merchandise passing through certain areas, often collected by the Seleucid authorities. Demetrius is giving up his right to collect these tolls from the Jewish people.
"...and the saltpits..." Salt was a valuable commodity in ancient times. Owning and controlling saltpits was a source of revenue. Demetrius is likely granting the Jewish people control or access to saltpits within their territory, allowing them to benefit from the salt trade.
"...and the crowns that pertain to us..."
The term "crowns" is subject to interpretation. In this context, it most likely refers to revenue collected from a certain tax or levy. It is unlikely to be referring to actual crowns.
"...all these we will bestow upon them." This is the key takeaway. Demetrius is giving up these sources of revenue and granting them to the Jewish people.
In summary, the verse means that Demetrius II Nicator is granting the Jewish people various economic concessions, including relinquishing his right to collect certain tithes, tolls, profits from saltpits, and potentially other taxes represented by the term "crowns."
Significance:
This verse is significant because it demonstrates the Seleucid king's attempt to win favor with the Jewish people. The Maccabean revolt had been ongoing, and the Seleucids were struggling to maintain control. By granting these concessions, Demetrius hoped to gain Jewish support or at least neutralize their opposition. These economic benefits would have strengthened the Jewish community and given them more autonomy. The concessions were likely a pragmatic political move intended to stabilize the region and secure his rule.
