아닥사스다 왕이시여, 장차 무슨 일이 일어날지 왕께서도 아셔야 합니다. 만약 예루살렘이 지어지고, 그 성벽이 고쳐지고 나면, 예루살렘은 아무런 세금도 내지 않을 것입니다. 그렇게 되면 왕께서 거두어들이는 돈도 줄어들 것입니다.
이 구절의 의미
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.
어린이를 위한 설명
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.
역사적 배경
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.
오늘의 적용
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.
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.