their sons left behind them in the land, whom the sons of Israel had not been able to exterminate, Solomon even caused to go on them a burden of forced labor to this day.
Now let it be known to the king that if this city is rebuilt, and the walls completed, they will not give tax, tribute, and forced labor, and it will cause the king’s revenue to suffer.
And, we make known to you that in regard to any of the priests and the Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple-slaves, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, taxes, or forced labor on them.
And it yields much increase to the kings whom You have given to be over us because of our sinning. And they rule over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure; and we are in great distress.
And they did not dispossess the Canaanite who lived in Gezer. And the Canaanite lives in the midst of Ephraim to this day, and is serving under tribute.