30
Furthermore, from this day I release you from your obligation to pay me one third of the grain harvest and one half of the fruit harvest. From now on I will not demand these payments from Judea or from the three districts that have been added to Judea from Samaria and Galilee.
1
31
Jerusalem and its surrounding territory is to be recognized as a holy city and to be exempt from the payment of all taxes.
32
I also give up my authority over the fort in Jerusalem and place it under the High Priest, who may station there anyone he wishes to guard it.
33
I freely grant release to all Jews who are prisoners of war anywhere in my kingdom. All of them will be exempt from taxes, even on their cattle.
34
No taxes shall be collected from any Jew anywhere in my kingdom on Sabbaths, New Moon Festivals, and other holy days. Furthermore, no taxes shall be collected three days before or after the major holy days.
35
No one has the right on any of these days to demand payment or to trouble you in any way.
36
"Jews may be enlisted in the royal army up to a total of 30,000 men, and they will receive the same pay as other royal troops.
37
Some of them may be stationed in the great royal fortresses, and others assigned to responsible positions in the government. They shall have Jews as their leaders and officers, and they shall be allowed to follow their own laws and customs, just as the king has permitted for the people of Judea.
38
"The three districts added to Judea from the territory of Samaria will be completely incorporated into Judea and placed under the authority of the High Priest alone.
39
I give to the Temple in Jerusalem for its operating expenses the revenues from the city of Ptolemais and the lands belonging to it.
40
I also promise to make an annual gift of 15,000 silver coins from appropriate accounts within the royal treasury.