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, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.
Original Language Analysis
דִּ֣י
H1768
דִּ֣י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
3 of 20
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
כָל
you that touching any
H3606
כָל
you that touching any
Strong's:
H3606
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כָּֽהֲנַיָּ֣א
of the priests
H3549
כָּֽהֲנַיָּ֣א
of the priests
Strong's:
H3549
Word #:
5 of 20
one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
נְתִ֣ינַיָּ֔א
Nethinims
H5412
נְתִ֣ינַיָּ֔א
Nethinims
Strong's:
H5412
Word #:
9 of 20
the nethinim, or temple-servants (as given to that duty)
בֵּ֖ית
house
H1005
בֵּ֖ית
house
Strong's:
H1005
Word #:
11 of 20
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וַֽהֲלָ֔ךְ
or custom
H1983
וַֽהֲלָ֔ךְ
or custom
Strong's:
H1983
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, a journey, i.e., (by implication) toll on goods at a road
שַׁלִּ֖יט
be lawful
H7990
שַׁלִּ֖יט
be lawful
Strong's:
H7990
Word #:
18 of 20
mighty; abstractly, permission; concretely, a premier
Cross References
Ezra 4:13Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.Ezra 7:7And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
Historical Context
Ancient empires funded state religions partially through tax exemptions for priests and temple personnel. Persian policy extended this to subject peoples' temples, viewing it as promoting stability and securing divine favor. The tax exemption (toll, tribute, custom) covered all imperial revenue types: road tolls, head tax, and customs duties. This significant fiscal concession demonstrated serious commitment to supporting temple worship. Archaeological evidence shows various Persian provinces exempted temple personnel from taxes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does tax exemption demonstrate God's provision enabling full-time ministry without worldly entanglements?
- What does comprehensive inclusion (singers, porters, Nethinim) teach about valuing all ministry roles, not just prominent positions?
Analysis & Commentary
The tax exemption—'Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them'—exempts temple personnel from imperial taxation. This financial relief enabled full-time ministry without secular employment necessity. The comprehensive list shows no temple servant was excluded from this benefit. God providentially arranged circumstances freeing His servants for spiritual service.