Ezra 4:13

Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up [again, then] will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and [so] thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.

Be it known {H3046}{H1934} now {H3705} unto the king {H4430}, that, if {H2006} this {H1791} city {H7149} be builded {H1124}, and the walls {H7792} set up {H3635} again, then will they not {H3809} pay {H5415} toll {H4061}, tribute {H1093}, and custom {H1983}, and so thou shalt endamage {H5142} the revenue {H674} of the kings {H4430}.

So let the king know that if this city is rebuilt and the walls are finished, they will refuse to pay tribute, tax or toll; and this will reduce the royal revenue.

Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer.

Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful unto the kings.

Commentary

Commentary on Ezra 4:13

Ezra 4:13 is part of a crucial letter sent by the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin to King Artaxerxes, designed to halt the rebuilding efforts of Jerusalem. This verse specifically highlights their primary argument: an appeal to the king's financial interests and political control.

Context

Following the decree of King Cyrus allowing the Jewish exiles to return and rebuild their temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:3), the work commenced. However, the local inhabitants, identified as the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin, sought to hinder this work. After initial attempts to discourage the builders failed (Ezra 4:4-5), they resorted to writing an accusatory letter to the Persian king, Artaxerxes, during a later phase of rebuilding that included the city's walls. This verse outlines their central claim: that a rebuilt Jerusalem would become a rebellious city, ceasing to pay its taxes and thus "endamaging the revenue of the kings."

Key Themes

  • Opposition to God's Work: The core motivation behind this letter is to stop the divine mandate for the Jewish people to re-establish themselves and their worship in Jerusalem. This opposition often arises when God's people begin to thrive.
  • Economic and Political Slander: The adversaries use shrewd, yet false, accusations of financial loss and potential rebellion to sway the king. They understand that appealing to the king's treasury and authority is a powerful tactic.
  • Fear of Autonomy: The warning about Jerusalem's walls being rebuilt implies a return to a degree of independence and defense, which was perceived as a threat to Persian imperial control.
  • Misinformation and Manipulation: The letter is a prime example of how misinformation can be used to manipulate powerful figures and impede legitimate undertakings.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "toll, tribute, and custom" translates three distinct Aramaic terms (the original language of this section of Ezra):

  • Mindah (ืžึดื ึฐื“ึผึธื”): Refers to a fixed tax or tribute, often a direct tax on individuals or land.
  • Belo (ื‘ึผึฐืœื•ึน): Likely denotes a consumption tax, duty, or excise tax on goods.
  • Halak (ื”ึฒืœึธืšึฐ): Suggests a road tax, transit duty, or levy on passage, indicating taxes on trade or movement.

By listing these three specific forms of revenue, the adversaries aimed to impress upon the king the comprehensive nature of the alleged financial detriment, painting a vivid picture of significant loss to the royal coffers.

Practical Application

Ezra 4:13 serves as a timeless reminder that spiritual work and progress often face opposition. This opposition may not always be direct or overtly religious; it often comes disguised as economic, political, or social concerns. We can learn several lessons:

  • Discernment is Key: Be aware of the tactics used by those who oppose good work, which often involve slander, exaggeration, and appeals to selfish interests.
  • Perseverance: Despite such formidable opposition, God's plan ultimately prevailed, and the temple and city were eventually rebuilt. This encourages believers to remain steadfast in their calling.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, God is in control, and He can use even the schemes of adversaries to further His purposes, or He can nullify them entirely.

This verse highlights the constant tension between human schemes and divine will, providing valuable insight into the challenges faced by God's people throughout history.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezra 7:24

    Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.

  • Romans 13:6

    For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

  • Romans 13:7

    ยถ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

  • Nehemiah 5:4

    There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, [and that upon] our lands and vineyards.

  • Matthew 17:25

    He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

  • Matthew 9:9

    ยถ And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

  • Psalms 52:2

    Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.