What is the meaning of Ezra 4:20?

Mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem

• Ezra’s opponents remind Artaxerxes that Jerusalem has not always been weak; it once housed “mighty kings.”

• Scripture confirms this reputation:

– David’s reign (2 Samuel 5:12) marks the rise of a powerful, united kingdom.

– Solomon “surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom” (2 Chronicles 9:22-23), making Jerusalem a center of influence.

• By citing these kings, the letter-writers subtly warn the Persian throne: if Jerusalem is rebuilt, past strength could resurface.

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Authority over the whole region west of the Euphrates

• The phrase “region west of the Euphrates” (Beyond the River) was Persian administrative language for everything from the Euphrates to the Mediterranean.

• Solomon once “had dominion over everything west of the Euphrates—from Tiphsah to Gaza—over all the kings west of the Euphrates” (1 Kings 4:24).

• Even after Solomon, kings like Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:6-8) projected influence into neighboring territories.

• The letter’s authors marshal this history to argue that Jerusalem’s sphere once rivaled, and could again challenge, Persian authority in that same district.

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Tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them

• Economic evidence seals the argument: former Judean kings collected taxes from surrounding peoples.

– Under Solomon, “they brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life” (1 Kings 4:21).

– Visitors brought yearly “articles of silver and gold… horses and mules” (1 Kings 10:25).

• Tribute implies acknowledged sovereignty; duty and toll point to customs fees on trade routes passing through Judean territory.

• By underscoring this revenue stream, the writers suggest Persia stands to lose tax income if Jerusalem regains autonomy (cf. Ezra 4:13, 15).

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summary

Ezra 4:20 is part of a calculated letter meant to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Its three claims—Jerusalem once hosted mighty kings, dominated lands west of the Euphrates, and enjoyed steady tax revenue—are historically accurate, as confirmed by passages on David and Solomon. The adversaries leverage this truthful history to paint the city as a potential political and economic threat to Persia, hoping fear will persuade Artaxerxes to stop the work.