There have been mighty kings also over Yerushalayim, who have ruled over all [the country] beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid to them.
In that day the LORD made a covenant with Avram, saying, *To your seed I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Perat:
Shlomo ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Pelishtim, and to the border of Egypt: they brought tribute, and served Shlomo all the days of his life.
For he had dominion over all [the region] on this side the River, from Tifsach even to `Aza, over all the kings on this side the River: and he had shalom on all sides round about him.
Chiram king of Tzor sent his servants to Shlomo; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Chiram was ever a lover of David.
Then David put [garrisons] in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought tribute. The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.
When the servants of Hadad`ezer saw that they were put to the worse before Yisra'el, they made shalom with David, and served him: neither would the Syrians help the children of `Ammon any more.
Some of the Pelishtim brought Yehoshafat presents, and silver for tribute; the Arabians also brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred male goats.
Be it known now to the king that if this city is built, and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful to the kings.
I decreed, and search has been made, and it is found that this city of old time has made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.
Also we inform you, that touching any of the Kohanim and Levites, the singers, porters, temple servants 1, or servants of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll, on them.
How the city sits solitary, that was full of people! She has become as a widow, who was great among the nations! She who was a princess among the provinces is become tributary!
It had strong rods for the scepters of those who bore rule, and their stature was exalted among the thick boughs, and they were seen in their height with the multitude of their branches.
As Yeshua passed by from there, he saw a man called Mattityahu sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him, *Follow me.* He got up and followed him.