Ezra 4:20 Meaning and Explanation
“There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →The king notes that Jerusalem once had powerful kings who ruled the whole region and collected its taxes.
What Does Ezra 4:20 Mean?
The king's research recalls that mighty kings, such as David and Solomon, once reigned in Jerusalem and held sway over all the lands beyond the river, receiving toll, tribute, and custom from them. To Artaxerxes this past glory is a warning, evidence that the city could again become a rival power. What was once Israel's golden age is read by a foreign king as a threat to his own dominion.
The memory of David's throne lingers even in a Persian archive. The greatness God once gave to Jerusalem could not be wholly forgotten, though here it is feared rather than honored. And the promise attached to that throne was never canceled by exile; Scripture looks for a Son of David whose kingdom would have no end. The taxes once paid to Jerusalem's kings point beyond them to One before whom every nation will one day bring its tribute.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra 4:20
What does Ezra 4:20 mean?
The king notes that Jerusalem once had powerful kings who ruled the whole region and collected its taxes.