### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **bᵉlôw**, represented by `{{H1093}}`, refers to a **tribute** or an excise tax on consumed goods. It is a specific term for a financial obligation, appearing **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Ezra. Its meaning is tied to the revenue systems of ancient kingdoms.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H1093}}` consistently appears as part of a formal list of payments: "toll, tribute, and custom." This phrase is used to describe the revenue collected by ruling powers. For instance, it is mentioned as a payment that was made to the former "mighty kings" over Jerusalem [[Ezra 4:20]]. It is also used in a warning to a king that if Jerusalem were rebuilt, the people would cease to pay this **tribute**, which would "endamage the revenue of the kings" [[Ezra 4:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H1093}}` is clarified by the words that appear alongside it in every instance:
* `{{H4061}}` **middâh** (tribute in money; toll, tribute): This term for a tax, often in money, is part of the standard list of payments [[Ezra 4:13]]. The tribute from beyond the river was also designated to pay the expenses for building the house of God [[Ezra 6:8]].
* `{{H1983}}` **hălâk** (toll on goods at aroad; custom): This word, referring to a toll on goods, completes the triad of taxes mentioned in scripture. It is used to describe the full scope of financial obligations owed to the king [[Ezra 4:20]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1093}}` is primarily civic and financial, outlining the relationship between a government and its subjects.
* **Royal Authority:** The collection of **tribute** was a sign of established rule. The text cites that mighty kings in Jerusalem's past had received "toll, tribute, and custom," establishing a historical precedent for this form of revenue [[Ezra 4:20]].
* **Economic Control:** The refusal to pay **tribute** was presented as a direct threat to the economic stability of the Persian kingdom, showing that such payments were a crucial part of the royal revenue [[Ezra 4:13]].
* **Religious Exemption:** A royal decree specifically made it unlawful to impose "toll, **tribute**, or custom" on the priests, Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of the house of God, granting them a unique financial status [[Ezra 7:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1093}}` is a specific Aramaic term for tribute that is integral to understanding the administrative and financial structures described in the book of Ezra. It is never used alone, but as part of a legal list that defines the taxes owed to a king. Its application illustrates the power of rulers, the economic basis of their kingdoms, and the special exemptions granted to religious personnel.
TRV