Ezra 7:24

24 Also unto you we cause it to be known, that regarding all of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, and ministers of the house of this God, no one shall be able to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.

Ezra 7:24 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 7:24

Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and
Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of
God
The king had a right and perfect knowledge of the distinct offices and services of those persons, see ( Ezra 7:7 ) ,

it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them;
that they might be the less encumbered with the affairs of life, and be more at leisure to attend divine service, and do it the more readily and freely; it was usual with the Heathens to except ecclesiastics from taxes, tributes, and imposts; so the priests in Egypt ^F23, and the Druids here in Britain ^F24.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F23 Diodor. Sicul. l. 1. p. 66.
F24 Caesar. Comment. de Bello Gall. l. 6. c. 13.

Ezra 7:24 In-Context

22 unto one hundred talents of silver and to one hundred measures of wheat and to one hundred baths of wine and to one hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much.

23 Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be speedily done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?

24 Also unto you we cause it to be known, that regarding all of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, and ministers of the house of this God, no one shall be able to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.

25 And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thy hand, set as judges and governors, who govern all the people that are on the other side of the river, all such as know the laws of thy God, and teach those that do not know them.

26 And whoever will not do the law of thy God and the law of the king, let them be judged speedily, whether it be unto death or to banishment or to confiscation of goods or to imprisonment.