### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **middâh**, represented by `{{H4061}}`, refers to **tribute in money; toll, tribute**. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. This term is consistently used within the context of civic and royal finance, specifically denoting a tax or payment owed to a ruling power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, all occurrences of `{{H4061}}` are found in the book of Ezra, relating to the administration of the Persian empire. The word is part of a recurring list of taxes. For instance, a letter to the king warns that if Jerusalem is rebuilt, its inhabitants will refuse to pay **toll** `{{H4061}}`, tribute, and custom, which would harm the king's finances [[Ezra 4:13]]. This form of revenue was historically significant, as the mighty kings who had once ruled from Jerusalem also received **toll** from the lands they controlled [[Ezra 4:20]]. The king's authority is further shown when he decrees that the **tribute** collected from beyond the river should be used to fund the rebuilding of the house of God [[Ezra 6:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the system of taxation in which `{{H4061}}` operates:
* `{{H1093}}` **bᵉlôw** (excise (on articles consumed); tribute): This word appears alongside `{{H4061}}` in a standardized list of payments owed to the king, representing a tax on consumed goods ([[Ezra 4:20]], [[Ezra 7:24]]).
* `{{H1983}}` **hălâk** (toll on goods at a road; custom): Frequently mentioned with `{{H4061}}` and `{{H1093}}`, this term refers to a toll on transported goods, completing the trio of primary taxes levied by the crown [[Ezra 4:13]].
* `{{H674}}` **ʼappᵉthôm** (revenue): This word describes the overall income of the kings. It is what is endamaged if payments like **toll** `{{H4061}}` are withheld [[Ezra 4:13]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H4061}}` highlights several key administrative concepts from the period:
* **Royal Revenue:** The payment of **toll** `{{H4061}}` was a foundational component of the king's treasury. The refusal to pay was considered a direct threat to the financial stability and authority of the throne [[Ezra 4:13]].
* **Political Subjugation:** The collection of **toll** was a clear indicator of a territory's submission to a ruling power. It was a standard practice for mighty kings to impose such taxes on the lands they governed [[Ezra 4:20]].
* **Authorized Exemption:** A king could exercise his power by granting exemptions from these taxes. The ministers of the house of God were specifically granted immunity from paying **toll**, tribute, or custom, signifying their protected status [[Ezra 7:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4061}}` **middâh** is a specific administrative term for a monetary tribute or toll paid to a sovereign. Its usage in Ezra provides a clear window into the economic structure of the Persian empire, defining the relationship between the rulers and their subjects through the lens of taxation. The word is central to understanding issues of royal authority, the financing of state-sanctioned projects, and the political consequences of financial loyalty or rebellion.
TRV