Ezra 4:13
Arabic Bible ERV 2009
فَلِيَكُن مَعلُوماً لَدَى المَلِكِ أنَّهُ إذا أُعِيدَ بِناءُ المَدِينَةِ وَأُكمِلَتْ أسوارُها، فَإنَّهُمْ سَيَمتَنِعُونَ عَن دَفعِ أيِّ نَوعٍ مِنَ الضَّرائِبِ، مِمّا سَيُلحِقُ الضَرَرَ فِي نِهايَةِ الأمرِ بِالمَصالِحِ المَلَكِيَّةِ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes a letter written to the king, warning him that if the city of Jerusalem is rebuilt and its walls are restored, the people there will stop paying taxes and customs, which would reduce the king's income. The speaker is an opponent of the rebuilding efforts.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're building a treehouse, and your neighbor tells your parents that if you finish the treehouse, you won't share your snacks anymore. That's kind of what's happening here, but with a city and taxes instead of a treehouse and snacks.
Historical Background
This verse comes from the Book of Ezra, written around the 4th century BCE. It was written by Ezra, a priest and scribe, for the Jewish people returning to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The cultural setting was one of rebuilding and resistance from local authorities.
Living It Out Today
Today, we can see this verse as a warning about how opposing forces can try to undermine progress by claiming it will harm others. For instance, a community group might face opposition to building a community center because opponents argue it will reduce local business profits.
Topics
oppositionrebuildingtaxationconflictleadershipperseverance
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the walls important in ancient Jerusalem?
The walls were crucial for the city's defense and protection. Without walls, the city was vulnerable to attacks and invasions, making the rebuilding a significant concern for both the builders and their opponents.
How does this verse show the conflict between the Jews and the local authorities?
The verse shows how the local authorities opposed the rebuilding efforts by warning the king that the city's economic independence would reduce his income, thus highlighting the tension and conflict between the returning Jews and the local rulers.
What can we learn about leadership from this verse?
Leadership involves facing opposition and making decisions that can impact the community's well-being. The verse teaches that leaders must be aware of the economic and political consequences of their actions.
How can this verse apply to community projects today?
This verse can apply to situations where community projects face opposition due to perceived economic impacts. It teaches the importance of perseverance and the potential for conflict when pursuing community benefits.