Ezra 7:24

24 We also notify you that it shall not be lawful to impose ¹tribute, custom, or toll on anyone of the priests, the Levites, the singers, the doorkeepers, the temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.

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 up to 100 talents of silver, 100 cors of wheat, 100 baths of wine, 100 baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much.

23 Whatever is decreed by the God of heaven, let it be done in full for the house of the God of heaven, lest his wrath be against the realm of the king and his sons.

24 We also notify you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on anyone of the priests, the Levites, the singers, the doorkeepers, the temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.

25 "And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people in the province Beyond the River, all such as know the laws of your God. And those who do not know them, you shall teach.

26 Whoever will not obey the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be strictly executed on him, whether for death or for banishment or for confiscation of his goods or for imprisonment."

Cross References

• 1. Ezra 4:13, 20