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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezra 4:20 And mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem and exercised authority over the whole region west of the Euphrates; and tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezra/4-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/15_Ezr_04_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezra 4:20 - The Decree of Artaxerxes" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem and exercised authority over the whole region west of the Euphrates; and tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezra/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all <i>countries</i> beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezra/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all <i>the region</i> beyond the River; and tax, tribute, and custom were paid to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezra/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />that mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem, governing all <i>the provinces</i> beyond the <i>Euphrates</i> River, and that tribute, custom tax, and toll were paid to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />that mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem, governing all the provinces beyond the River, and that tribute, custom and toll were paid to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />that mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem, governing all <i>the provinces</i> beyond the River, and that tribute, custom, and toll were paid to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezra/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />that strong kings have been over Jerusalem, even rulers in all <i>the provinces</i> beyond the River, and that tribute, custom, and toll were given to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezra/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem who have ruled over all <i>the provinces</i> west of the [Euphrates] River, and tax, custom, and toll were paid to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezra/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Powerful kings have also ruled over Jerusalem and exercised authority over the whole region west of the Euphrates River, and tribute, duty, and land tax were paid to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezra/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Powerful kings have also ruled over Jerusalem and exercised authority over the whole region, and tribute, duty, and land tax were paid to them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezra/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid unto them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezra/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />And powerful kings have ruled Western Province from Jerusalem and have collected all kinds of taxes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezra/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all the country beyond the river; and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid unto them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezra/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jerusalem has had powerful kings who have ruled the whole [province] west of the Euphrates. Taxes, fees, and tolls were paid to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezra/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Powerful kings have reigned there and have ruled over the entire province of West-of-Euphrates, collecting taxes and revenue. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezra/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Powerful kings have reigned over Jerusalem, including ruling over all lands beyond the Euphrates River. Furthermore, taxes, tribute, and tolls have been paid to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezra/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem and exercised authority over the whole region west of the Euphrates; and tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezra/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Powerful kings have been over Jerusalem who ruled throughout the entire Trans-Euphrates and who were the beneficiaries of tribute, custom, and toll.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezra/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezra/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezra/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll was paid to them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezra/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and mighty kings have been over Jerusalem, even rulers over all beyond the river, and toll, tribute, and custom is given to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezra/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and mighty kings have been over Jerusalem, even rulers over all beyond the river, and toll, tribute, and custom is given to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezra/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And strong kings were over Jerusalem, and ruling over all beyond the river: and tribute, excise, and, toll, being given to them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezra/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For there have been powerful kings in Jerusalem, who hare had dominion over all the country that is beyond the river: and have received tribute, and toll and revenues. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezra/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then too, there have been very strong kings in Jerusalem, who also ruled over the entire region which is across the river. They have also taken tribute, and tax, and revenues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezra/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Powerful kings once ruled in Jerusalem who controlled all West-of-Euphrates, and taxes, tributes, and tolls were paid to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezra/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Jerusalem has had mighty kings who ruled over the whole province Beyond the River, to whom tribute, custom, and toll were paid.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezra/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all countries beyond the River; and they thought nothing of the kings of the old time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezra/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And mighty kings were over Jerusalem and they ruled in all the Crossing of the River, and they considered the former kings nothing.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezra/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, impost, and toll, was paid unto them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezra/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And there were powerful kings in Jerusalem, and they ruled over all the <i>country</i> beyond the river, and abundant revenues and tribute were given to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezra/4-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sh6ec6iQe9M?start=1010" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm">The Decree of Artaxerxes</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>I issued a decree, and a search was conducted. It was discovered that this city has revolted against kings from ancient times, engaging in rebellion and sedition. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8624.htm" title="8624: taq·qî·p̄în (Adj-mp) -- Strong, mighty. (Aramaic) corresponding to taqqiyph.">And mighty</a> <a href="/hebrew/1934.htm" title="1934: hă·wōw (V-Qal-Perf-3mp) -- To become, come to pass, be. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4430.htm" title="4430: ū·mal·ḵîn (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king.">kings</a> <a href="/hebrew/5922.htm" title="5922: ‘al- (Prep) -- Upon, over, above. (Aramaic) corresponding to al.">have ruled over</a> <a href="/hebrew/3390.htm" title="3390: yə·rū·šə·lem (N-proper-fs) -- The capital city of all Isr. (Chald).">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/hebrew/7990.htm" title="7990: wə·šal·lî·ṭîn (Conj-w:: Adj-mp) -- Having mastery, ruling. (Aramaic) corresponding to shalliyt; mighty; abstractly, permission; concretely, a premier.">and exercised authority</a> <a href="/hebrew/3606.htm" title="3606: bə·ḵōl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. (Aramaic) corresponding to kol.">over the whole</a> <a href="/hebrew/5675.htm" title="5675: ‘ă·ḇar (N-msc) -- Region across or beyond. (Aramaic) corresponding to eber.">region west</a> <a href="/hebrew/5103.htm" title="5103: na·hă·rāh (N-msd) -- A river. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to nahar; a river, especially the Euphrates.">of the Euphrates;</a> <a href="/hebrew/4061.htm" title="4061: ū·mid·dāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Tribute. (Aramaic) or mindah (Aramaic); corresponding to middah; tribute in money.">and tribute,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1093.htm" title="1093: ḇə·lōw (N-ms) -- Tribute. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to balah; excise (on articles consumed).">duty,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1983.htm" title="1983: wa·hă·lāḵ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- A toll. (Aramaic) from halak; properly, a journey, i.e. (by implication) toll on goods at a road.">and toll</a> <a href="/hebrew/3052.htm" title="3052: miṯ·yə·hêḇ (V-Hitpael-Prtcpl-ms) -- To give. (Aramaic) corresponding to yahab; -deliver, give, lay, + prolong, pay, yield.">were paid</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·hō·wn (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">to them.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>Now, therefore, issue an order for these men to stop, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-37.htm">Nehemiah 9:37</a></span><br />Its abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us because of our sins. And they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-1.htm">Daniel 6:1-2</a></span><br />Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, / and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/24-20.htm">2 Kings 24:20</a></span><br />For because of the anger of the LORD, all this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, until He finally banished them from His presence. And Zedekiah also rebelled against the king of Babylon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/36-20.htm">2 Chronicles 36:20-21</a></span><br />Those who escaped the sword were carried by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. / So the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation, until seventy years were completed, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/25-9.htm">Jeremiah 25:9-11</a></span><br />behold, I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. So I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and contempt, an everlasting desolation. / Moreover, I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the lamp. / And this whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/1-1.htm">Esther 1:1</a></span><br />This is what happened in the days of Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-37.htm">Daniel 2:37-38</a></span><br />You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given sovereignty, power, strength, and glory. / Wherever the sons of men or beasts of the field or birds of the air dwell, He has given them into your hand and has made you ruler over them all. You are that head of gold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm">1 Kings 4:21</a></span><br />And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/18-7.htm">2 Kings 18:7</a></span><br />And the LORD was with Hezekiah, and he prospered wherever he went. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and refused to serve him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/36-1.htm">Isaiah 36:1</a></span><br />In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-17.htm">Matthew 22:17-21</a></span><br />So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” / But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me? / Show Me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/2-1.htm">Luke 2:1</a></span><br />Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-12.htm">John 19:12</a></span><br />From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-7.htm">Acts 17:7</a></span><br />and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-7</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid to them.</p><p class="hdg">mighty king</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm">1 Kings 4:21,24</a></b></br> And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/18-3.htm">1 Chronicles 18:3</a></b></br> And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/72-8.htm">Psalm 72:8</a></b></br> He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.</p><p class="hdg">beyond</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/4-16.htm">Ezra 4:16</a></b></br> We certify the king that, if this city be builded <i>again</i>, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/15-18.htm">Genesis 15:18</a></b></br> In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/1-3.htm">Joshua 1:3,4</a></b></br> Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses… </p><p class="hdg">toll</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/18-6.htm">1 Chronicles 18:6,13</a></b></br> Then David put <i>garrisons</i> in Syriadamascus; and the Syrians became David's servants, <i>and</i> brought gifts. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/19-19.htm">1 Chronicles 19:19</a></b></br> And when the servants of Hadarezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with David, and became his servants: neither would the Syrians help the children of Ammon any more.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/9-14.htm">2 Chronicles 9:14,23,24</a></b></br> Beside <i>that which</i> chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezra/3-3.htm">Countries</a> <a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">Country</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Forced</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-16.htm">Further</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Goods</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-5.htm">Governing</a> <a href="/ezra/4-10.htm">Great</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Impost</a> <a href="/ezra/4-12.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/ezra/4-19.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-21.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Paid</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Payments</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/27-6.htm">Powerful</a> <a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">Province</a> <a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">Provinces</a> <a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">River</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/22-12.htm">Ruled</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-8.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-11.htm">Ruling</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Tax</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Taxes</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Toll</a> <a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">Trans-Euphrates</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Tribute</a> <a href="/ezra/2-64.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/18-44.htm">Countries</a> <a href="/ezra/7-26.htm">Country</a> <a href="/ezra/7-24.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/ezra/7-24.htm">Forced</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-7.htm">Further</a> <a href="/ezra/6-8.htm">Goods</a> <a href="/luke/22-26.htm">Governing</a> <a href="/ezra/4-22.htm">Great</a> <a href="/ezra/7-24.htm">Impost</a> <a href="/ezra/4-23.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/ezra/4-22.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/ezra/7-28.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/ezra/6-4.htm">Paid</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-18.htm">Payments</a> <a href="/esther/9-4.htm">Powerful</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Province</a> <a href="/ezra/6-6.htm">Provinces</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">River</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Ruled</a> <a href="/ezra/8-36.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/esther/1-2.htm">Ruling</a> <a href="/ezra/7-24.htm">Tax</a> <a href="/ezra/7-24.htm">Taxes</a> <a href="/ezra/7-24.htm">Toll</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Trans-Euphrates</a> <a href="/ezra/6-8.htm">Tribute</a> <a href="/ezra/7-16.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Ezra 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-1.htm">The adversaries, being not accepted in the building of the temple with the Jews, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-4.htm">endeavor to hinder it</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-7.htm">Their letter to Artaxerxes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">The answer and decree of Artaxerxes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-23.htm">The building is hindered</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezra/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem</b><br>This phrase highlights the historical significance of Jerusalem as a city of power and influence. Throughout its history, Jerusalem was ruled by several mighty kings, including David and Solomon, who established it as the political and spiritual center of Israel. The reference to "mighty kings" underscores the city's importance and the strength of its rulers. This aligns with biblical accounts in 2 Samuel and 1 Kings, where the reigns of David and Solomon are detailed, showcasing their military and administrative prowess.<p><b>and exercised authority over the whole region west of the Euphrates;</b><br>The region west of the Euphrates, often referred to as "Beyond the River," was a significant area in the ancient Near East, encompassing parts of modern-day Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. The phrase indicates the extent of the authority and influence that Jerusalem's kings had, reaching beyond their immediate borders. This reflects the historical reality of the Davidic and Solomonic empires, which expanded their territories and exerted control over neighboring regions. The mention of the Euphrates also connects to the broader biblical narrative of Israel's promised land, as seen in <a href="/genesis/15-18.htm">Genesis 15:18</a>.<p><b>and tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them.</b><br>This part of the verse emphasizes the economic and political power wielded by the kings of Jerusalem. Tribute, duty, and tolls were common forms of taxation in the ancient world, used to support the ruling government and its projects. The payment of these by surrounding nations or regions indicates a recognition of authority and submission to Jerusalem's rulers. This practice is documented in various parts of the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm">1 Kings 4:21</a>, where Solomon's wealth and the tribute he received are described. It also reflects the broader theme of God's provision and blessing upon Israel when they were obedient to His covenant.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The central city of Jewish worship and governance, often a focal point of conflict and restoration throughout biblical history.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/powerful_kings.htm">Powerful Kings</a></b><br>Refers to the historical rulers who had dominion over Jerusalem, including those from the Babylonian and Persian empires.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_region_beyond_the_river.htm">The Region Beyond the River</a></b><br>This phrase typically refers to the area west of the Euphrates River, encompassing parts of modern-day Israel, Syria, and Lebanon.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/tribute,_duty,_and_toll.htm">Tribute, Duty, and Toll</a></b><br>These were forms of taxation imposed by ruling empires on their subjects, indicating subjugation and control.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/ezra.htm">Ezra</a></b><br>A scribe and priest who played a crucial role in the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_historical_context.htm">Understanding Historical Context</a></b><br>Recognize the historical backdrop of foreign domination over Jerusalem, which sets the stage for the challenges faced by the returning exiles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_governance.htm">God's Sovereignty in Governance</a></b><br>Despite the rule of powerful kings, God's ultimate authority and plan for His people remain unchanged. Trust in His sovereignty even when earthly powers seem overwhelming.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_burden_of_subjugation.htm">The Burden of Subjugation</a></b><br>Reflect on the spiritual and physical burdens of living under foreign rule, and consider how this mirrors the Christian's struggle against sin and worldly influences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_amidst_opposition.htm">Faithfulness Amidst Opposition</a></b><br>The Israelites' experience under foreign kings serves as a reminder to remain faithful to God despite external pressures and challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a></b><br>Ezra's leadership in the face of opposition highlights the importance of godly leaders who guide and encourage the community in faithfulness and obedience.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezra_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezra 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ezra_8_25-27's_wealth_match_era_data.htm">In Ezra 8:25-27, do the large amounts of silver and gold conflict with known trade or economic data from that era?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_blame_locals,_not_persian_policy,_in_ezra.htm">In Ezra 4:23-24, how can the abrupt cessation of the rebuilding project be fully attributed to local opposition without considering wider Persian imperial policy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_are_samaritans_seen_as_antagonists.htm">In Ezra 4:2, if Samaritans were truly offering assistance in rebuilding the temple, why does the broader biblical narrative often portray them as antagonists?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_was_the_babylonian_empire.htm">What was the Babylonian Empire?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezra/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">Mighty kings.</span>--David and Solomon, and some few kings down to Josiah, had extended their sway and made nations tributary (2 Samuel 8; 1 Kings 10). The earlier kings' names would perhaps be referred to historically, though not immediately connected with Persian annals.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezra/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Mighty kings</span>. David and Solomon best answer to this description, possessing as they did a kingdom which extended from the Euphrates to the borders of Egypt (<a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm">1 Kings 4:21, 24</a>), and drawing tribute from the various petty princes or chiefs of the nations dwelling within those limits (<a href="/2_samuel/8-6.htm">2 Samuel 8:6-12</a>; <a href="/1_kings/10-14.htm">1 Kings 10:14, 25</a>). Josiah had perhaps, more recently, possessed an almost equally extensive sway. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezra/4-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">And mighty</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּקִּיפִ֗ין</span> <span class="translit">(taq·qî·p̄în)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8624.htm">Strong's 8624: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strong, mighty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">kings</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמַלְכִ֣ין</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mal·ḵîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4430.htm">Strong's 4430: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have ruled over</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5922.htm">Strong's 5922: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jerusalem</span><br /><span class="heb">יְר֣וּשְׁלֶ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(yə·rū·šə·lem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3390.htm">Strong's 3390: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jerusalem -- the capital city of all Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and exercised authority</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשַׁ֨לִּיטִ֔ין</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šal·lî·ṭîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7990.htm">Strong's 7990: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mighty, permission, a premier</span><br /><br /><span class="word">over the whole</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּכֹ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḵōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3606.htm">Strong's 3606: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">region west</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲבַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·ḇar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5675.htm">Strong's 5675: </a> </span><span class="str2">A region across, on the opposite side</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Euphrates,</span><br /><span class="heb">נַהֲרָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(na·hă·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5103.htm">Strong's 5103: </a> </span><span class="str2">A river, the Euphrates</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and tribute,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמִדָּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mid·dāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4061.htm">Strong's 4061: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tribute in money</span><br /><br /><span class="word">duty,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְל֛וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1093.htm">Strong's 1093: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tribute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and toll</span><br /><span class="heb">וַהֲלָ֖ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(wa·hă·lāḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1983.htm">Strong's 1983: </a> </span><span class="str2">A journey, toll on goods at a, road</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were paid</span><br /><span class="heb">מִתְיְהֵ֥ב</span> <span class="translit">(miṯ·yə·hêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3052.htm">Strong's 3052: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, to put, imperatively, come</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to them.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהֽוֹן׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezra/4-20.htm">Ezra 4:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezra/4-20.htm">Ezra 4:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezra/4-20.htm">Ezra 4:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezra/4-20.htm">Ezra 4:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezra/4-20.htm">Ezra 4:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezra/4-20.htm">Ezra 4:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezra/4-20.htm">Ezra 4:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezra/4-20.htm">Ezra 4:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezra/4-20.htm">Ezra 4:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezra/4-20.htm">Ezra 4:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezra/4-20.htm">OT History: Ezra 4:20 There have been mighty kings also over (Ezr. Ez) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezra/4-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezra 4:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezra 4:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezra/4-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezra 4:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezra 4:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>