(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to בָּלָה; excise (on articles consumed); tribute.
Transliteration:bᵉlôw
Pronunciation:bel-o'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term בְּלוֹ (`{{H1093}}`, bᵉlôw) is defined primarily as "excise" or "tribute." Its etymological root is understood to correspond to the Hebrew בָּלָה (`{{H1086}}`), meaning "to wear out" or "decay." While the precise semantic connection is not immediately obvious, it may suggest a payment that "wears down" the payer's resources, or an excise tax levied on articles that are "consumed" or "worn out." In practice, bᵉlôw denotes a compulsory financial imposition, a form of taxation levied by a ruling power on its subjects or provinces. This broad definition encompasses both a general tribute paid by a subordinate entity and a specific tax on goods or consumption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word bᵉlôw (`{{H1093}}`) appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the book of Ezra, specifically in two significant passages concerning imperial taxation:
* **[[Ezra 4:13]]**: In a letter from the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin to King Artaxerxes, they warn that if Jerusalem is rebuilt, the Jews "will not pay tribute, custom, or toll." Here, bᵉlôw is listed first among three types of taxes (bᵉlôw, middah `{{H4061}}`, halak `{{H1981}}`). The context reveals that bᵉlôw was a significant component of the royal revenue expected from the province "Beyond the River" (Trans-Euphrates). The adversaries use the potential loss of this revenue as a political argument to halt the rebuilding efforts, highlighting the economic importance of these taxes to the Persian Empire.
* **[[Ezra 7:24]]**: In King Artaxerxes' decree to Ezra, the king explicitly grants an exemption: "We also make known to you that with regard to any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on them." Again, bᵉlôw appears as the first of the three tax categories. This decree underscores bᵉlôw's nature as an imperial tax from which specific groups could be exempted by sovereign decree, demonstrating the king's authority and, in this case, his favor towards the temple personnel.
In both instances, bᵉlôw functions as a term for a governmental tax, often alongside middah (likely a general land tax or fixed tribute) and halak (a toll or road tax). This triad of terms describes the comprehensive taxation system imposed by the Persian Empire.
### Related Words & Concepts
bᵉlôw (`{{H1093}}`) is frequently found in close association with other Aramaic terms for taxation within the book of Ezra:
* **מִדָּה (`{{H4061}}`, middah)**: Often translated as "custom" or "tax," this term likely refers to a fixed tribute or a land tax.
* **הֲלָךְ (`{{H1981}}`, halak)**: Translated as "toll," this typically refers to a tax levied on passage or transit, such as a road tax.
The consistent pairing of these three terms (bᵉlôw, middah, halak) indicates a comprehensive system of imperial revenue collection. While bᵉlôw specifically points to excise or general tribute, its meaning is best understood within this broader context of Persian economic administration. The underlying concept is one of imposed financial burden and the assertion of imperial control over subject peoples.
### Theological Significance
While bᵉlôw (`{{H1093}}`) is a secular term for a tax, its biblical occurrences carry profound theological weight, particularly within the post-exilic narrative of Ezra:
1. **Consequence of Disobedience**: The necessity of paying bᵉlôw and other imperial taxes signifies the reality of Israel's subjection to foreign powers. This state of affairs was a direct consequence of their historical disobedience and idolatry, leading to the Babylonian exile and subsequent Persian dominion. The payment of tribute was a tangible reminder of their diminished sovereignty.
2. **Divine Providence and Sovereign Intervention**: The most significant theological insight comes from the exemption granted in [[Ezra 7:24]]. King Artaxerxes' decree, exempting temple personnel from bᵉlôw, middah, and halak, is a powerful demonstration of God's sovereign hand working through a pagan monarch. This exemption was crucial for the economic viability of the temple and its staff, allowing them to dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties without the burden of imperial taxation. It underscores God's faithfulness in providing for His people and ensuring the continuation of worship, even amidst foreign rule.
3. **Challenges to Restoration**: The adversaries' argument in [[Ezra 4:13]], leveraging the potential loss of bᵉlôw revenue, highlights the practical and political obstacles faced by the returning exiles. This resistance demonstrates that God's people often face opposition in fulfilling His purposes, requiring divine intervention and steadfast faith.
Thus, bᵉlôw serves as a linguistic marker of both the historical reality of imperial subjugation and the theological truth of God's overarching providence and care for His covenant people.
### Summary
The Aramaic word בְּלוֹ (`{{H1093}}`, bᵉlôw) denotes a form of imperial taxation, specifically "excise" or "tribute." It appears exclusively in the book of Ezra, always in conjunction with middah (`{{H4061}}`, "custom") and halak (`{{H1981}}`, "toll"), forming a triad that describes the comprehensive tax system imposed by the Persian Empire on its subjects in the province "Beyond the River." Contextually, bᵉlôw represents a compulsory payment that was vital to royal revenue and a symbol of foreign dominion. Theologically, its presence highlights the consequences of Israel's past disobedience, leading to their subjugation. More significantly, the royal exemption from bᵉlôw granted to temple personnel in [[Ezra 7:24]] powerfully illustrates God's providential care, demonstrating His ability to work through secular authorities to facilitate the restoration of worship and provide for those dedicated to His service. bᵉlôw therefore stands as a reminder of both human governance and divine sovereignty at play in the post-exilic period.
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