Ezra 7:24

24 Also this has been declared to you, with respect to all the priests, and Levites, the singers, porters, Nathinim and ministers of the house of God, let no tribute be to thee; thou shalt not have power to oppress 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.

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Ezra 7:24 In-Context

22 to a hundred talents of silver, and a hundred measures of wheat, and a hundred baths of wine, and a hundred baths of oil, and salt without reckoning.

23 Let whatever is in the decree of the God of heaven, be done: take heed lest any one make an attack on the house of the God of heaven, lest at any time there shall be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons.

24 Also this has been declared to you, with respect to all the priests, and Levites, the singers, porters, Nathinim and ministers of the house of God, let no tribute be to thee; thou shalt not have power to oppress them.

25 And thou, Esdras, as the wisdom of God in thy hand, appoint scribes and judges, that they may judge for all the people beyond the river, all that know the law of the Lord thy God; and ye shall make it known to him that knows not.

26 And whosoever shall not do the law of God, and the law of the king readily, judgment shall be taken upon him, whether for death or for chastisement, or for a fine of his property, or casting into prison.