Ezra 4:20 - There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid to them.
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What does "Ezra 4:20" mean?
Ezra 4:20, within the larger context of the book of Ezra, is part of a letter written to the Persian king Artaxerxes I, attempting to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem. This verse specifically asserts that Jerusalem used to be the center of a powerful empire controlling territory "beyond the River" (meaning the Euphrates River, from the Persian perspective), and that it collected tribute, custom, and toll. Let's break down the verse:
"There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem...": This refers to historical Israelite kings, particularly David and Solomon, who ruled over a significant kingdom from Jerusalem. The letter writers are trying to highlight Jerusalem's historical importance and power.
"...who have ruled over all the country beyond the River...": "Beyond the River" is a term used by the Persians to refer to the lands west of the Euphrates River, including Israel, Syria, and Phoenicia. The claim is that Jerusalemite kings controlled this entire region. This is likely an exaggeration for rhetorical effect, although during the reigns of David and Solomon, Israel did exert considerable influence and control over a large territory.
"...and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid to them.": This emphasizes the wealth and power that Jerusalem once wielded. "Tribute" refers to payments from vassal states or conquered territories. "Custom" likely refers to tariffs or taxes on goods. "Toll" probably refers to fees for using roads or other infrastructure. The letter is saying that Jerusalem was a powerful tax-collecting center, implying that rebuilding it could lead to future rebellion and loss of revenue for the Persian Empire.
In essence, the verse argues that:
Jerusalem has a history of being a powerful capital.
It controlled a vast territory and was a major economic center.
Rebuilding Jerusalem could revive its former power and threaten Persian authority.
The purpose of this verse within the letter is to convince Artaxerxes that rebuilding Jerusalem is a bad idea and could lead to renewed rebellion against Persian rule. The writers are appealing to the king's self-interest by highlighting the potential loss of revenue and control.
Ezra 4:20 - There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid to them.
What does "Ezra 4:20" mean?
Ezra 4:20, within the larger context of the book of Ezra, is part of a letter written to the Persian king Artaxerxes I, attempting to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem. This verse specifically asserts that Jerusalem used to be the center of a powerful empire controlling territory "beyond the River" (meaning the Euphrates River, from the Persian perspective), and that it collected tribute, custom, and toll. Let's break down the verse:
"There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem...": This refers to historical Israelite kings, particularly David and Solomon, who ruled over a significant kingdom from Jerusalem. The letter writers are trying to highlight Jerusalem's historical importance and power.
"...who have ruled over all the country beyond the River...": "Beyond the River" is a term used by the Persians to refer to the lands west of the Euphrates River, including Israel, Syria, and Phoenicia. The claim is that Jerusalemite kings controlled this entire region. This is likely an exaggeration for rhetorical effect, although during the reigns of David and Solomon, Israel did exert considerable influence and control over a large territory.
"...and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid to them.": This emphasizes the wealth and power that Jerusalem once wielded. "Tribute" refers to payments from vassal states or conquered territories. "Custom" likely refers to tariffs or taxes on goods. "Toll" probably refers to fees for using roads or other infrastructure. The letter is saying that Jerusalem was a powerful tax-collecting center, implying that rebuilding it could lead to future rebellion and loss of revenue for the Persian Empire.
In essence, the verse argues that:
Jerusalem has a history of being a powerful capital.
It controlled a vast territory and was a major economic center.
Rebuilding Jerusalem could revive its former power and threaten Persian authority.
The purpose of this verse within the letter is to convince Artaxerxes that rebuilding Jerusalem is a bad idea and could lead to renewed rebellion against Persian rule. The writers are appealing to the king's self-interest by highlighting the potential loss of revenue and control.