And mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem and exercised authority over the whole region west of the Euphrates; and tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them. There have been powerful kingsThe phrase "powerful kings" refers to the historical rulers who exerted significant influence and control over Jerusalem and its surrounding regions. In the Hebrew context, the word for "powerful" can be linked to strength and might, often associated with divine favor or military prowess. Historically, this could refer to kings like David and Solomon, whose reigns were marked by expansion and prosperity. Their rule was seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, and their power was a testament to God's sovereignty and blessing over His chosen people. over Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of peace, holds a central place in biblical history as the spiritual and political heart of Israel. It was the site of the Temple, the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The mention of Jerusalem here underscores its significance as a city that has been under the rule of various powerful kings, both Israelite and foreign. This highlights the city's enduring importance and the divine purpose it serves in God's redemptive plan. who ruled over the whole region beyond the River
The "region beyond the River" refers to the territories west of the Euphrates River, a vast area that included many different peoples and lands. This phrase indicates the extensive dominion these kings had, suggesting a period of great influence and control. Historically, this could include the time of the United Monarchy under David and Solomon, when Israel's borders were at their largest. It also reflects the geopolitical realities of the ancient Near East, where control of such regions was crucial for trade and military strategy. and tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them
The payment of "tribute, duty, and toll" signifies the economic and political power these kings wielded. In ancient times, such payments were a sign of subjugation and acknowledgment of authority. They were often used to maintain peace and order, as well as to fund the king's projects and military campaigns. This phrase highlights the prosperity and stability that can come under strong leadership, but also serves as a reminder of the burdens that can be placed on the people. In a spiritual sense, it can be seen as a call to recognize God's ultimate authority and to offer Him the tribute of our lives in faithful service and obedience. Persons / Places / Events 1. JerusalemThe central city of Jewish worship and governance, often a focal point of conflict and restoration throughout biblical history. 2. Powerful KingsRefers to the historical rulers who had dominion over Jerusalem, including those from the Babylonian and Persian empires. 3. The Region Beyond the RiverThis phrase typically refers to the area west of the Euphrates River, encompassing parts of modern-day Israel, Syria, and Lebanon. 4. Tribute, Duty, and TollThese were forms of taxation imposed by ruling empires on their subjects, indicating subjugation and control. 5. EzraA scribe and priest who played a crucial role in the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Teaching Points Understanding Historical ContextRecognize the historical backdrop of foreign domination over Jerusalem, which sets the stage for the challenges faced by the returning exiles. God's Sovereignty in GovernanceDespite the rule of powerful kings, God's ultimate authority and plan for His people remain unchanged. Trust in His sovereignty even when earthly powers seem overwhelming. The Burden of SubjugationReflect on the spiritual and physical burdens of living under foreign rule, and consider how this mirrors the Christian's struggle against sin and worldly influences. Faithfulness Amidst OppositionThe Israelites' experience under foreign kings serves as a reminder to remain faithful to God despite external pressures and challenges. The Role of LeadershipEzra's leadership in the face of opposition highlights the importance of godly leaders who guide and encourage the community in faithfulness and obedience. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the historical context of foreign rule over Jerusalem help us understand the challenges faced by the Jewish exiles in Ezra's time? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the governance of nations today, and how should this influence our response to political authorities? 3. How can the concept of "tribute, duty, and toll" be related to the spiritual burdens we face, and what steps can we take to find freedom in Christ? 4. What lessons can we learn from Ezra's leadership in dealing with opposition, and how can we apply these lessons in our own roles within the church or community? 5. How do the experiences of the Israelites under foreign kings parallel the Christian's journey in a world that often opposes God's kingdom, and what scriptures can we draw on for encouragement and guidance? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 9:37This verse also speaks of the heavy taxation and subjugation of the Israelites under foreign rulers, highlighting the ongoing struggle for autonomy and faithfulness to God. 1 Kings 4:21Describes the extent of Solomon's kingdom, which included the same region, showing a contrast between Israel's past glory and its current subjugation. Daniel 6:1-2Provides insight into the administrative divisions of the Persian Empire, which included the region beyond the River, illustrating the broader context of governance during Ezra's time. People Ahasuerus, Apharesattechites, Apharesites, Apharsathchites, Apharsites, Archevites, Artaxerxes, Asnapper, Babylonians, Benjamin, Bishlam, Cyrus, Darius, Dehaites, Dehavites, Dehites, Dianites, Dinaites, Dinites, Elamites, Esarhaddon, Jeshua, Mithredath, Persians, Rehum, Shimshai, Shushanchites, Tabeel, Tarpelites, ZerubbabelPlaces Assyria, Beyond the River, Erech, Jerusalem, Persia, Samaria, SusaTopics Across, Beyond, Countries, Custom, Duty, Euphrates, Forced, Further, Goods, Governing, Impost, Jerusalem, Kings, Mighty, Paid, Payments, Powerful, Province, Provinces, River, Ruled, Rulers, Ruling, Tax, Taxes, Toll, Trans, TributeDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 4:20 5594 tribute Ezra 4:6-23 7560 Samaritans, the Ezra 4:20-21 7468 temple, rebuilding Library Building in Troublous Times
'Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the Lord God of Israel; 2. Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto Him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. 3. But Zerubbabel, and Joshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Original Text and Its History.
1. The original language of the Old Testament is Hebrew, with the exception of certain portions of Ezra and Daniel and a single verse of Jeremiah, (Ezra 4:8-6:18; 7:12-26; Dan. 2:4, from the middle of the verse to end of chap. 7; Jer. 10:11,) which are written in the cognate Chaldee language. The Hebrew belongs to a stock of related languages commonly called Shemitic, because spoken mainly by the descendants of Shem. Its main divisions are: (1,) the Arabic, having its original seat in the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
The Median wars--The last native dynasties of Egypt--The Eastern world on the eve of the Macedonian conquest. [Drawn by Boudier, from one of the sarcophagi of Sidon, now in the Museum of St. Irene. The vignette, which is by Faucher-Gudin, represents the sitting cyno-cephalus of Nectanebo I., now in the Egyptian Museum at the Vatican.] Darius appears to have formed this project of conquest immediately after his first victories, when his initial attempts to institute satrapies had taught him not …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9 A Reformer's Schooling
'The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2. That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ezra 4:20 NIVEzra 4:20 NLTEzra 4:20 ESVEzra 4:20 NASBEzra 4:20 KJV
Ezra 4:20 Commentaries
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