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.
There have also been powerful kings who ruled over Jerusalem, who controlled all the lands west of the Euphrates River, and taxes, tribute, and customs fees were paid to them.
The writer is pointing out that Jerusalem has historically been home to mighty kings who ruled vast territories and collected taxes from many nations.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Ezra, this verse appears in a letter written by opponents of the Jewish people during the Persian Empire's rule, as they sought to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It references the historical era of Israel's mighty kings, such as David and Solomon, who controlled vast territories beyond the Euphrates River and received tribute, tolls, and customs from surrounding nations. This context highlights the political accusations used to portray Jerusalem as a potential threat to the Persian authorities.
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