Bible Strands
Ezra 6:13
In response, Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates diligently carried out what King Darius had decreed.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — King Darius issues a binding decree to protect and fund the Jerusalem temple, and the narrative shifts to his provincial officials executing that order. Tattenai, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates act in direct response to the royal command.
The words — אֱדַיִן ('E.da.yin) marks the narrative pivot with "then," signaling immediate compliance. כְּנָוָתְהוֹן (khe.na.va.te.Hon) denotes "their associates," highlighting the administrative chain that enforces the decree.
The thread — This administrative response continues the pattern of Persian officials interacting with the temple project across Ezra 4–6. Ezra 5:6 introduces Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai in their initial inquiry, while Ezra 4:9 and 4:23 document Rehum and Shimshai's earlier opposition and letter-reading.
Why it lands — The text states that provincial leaders diligently executed a royal decree that advanced God's building plan. It asks the reader to observe that human authority, even when motivated by imperial policy, can serve divine purposes without requiring personal faith.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar–boznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.
Cross-references
- Ezra 4:9 From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates—the judges and officials over Tripolis, Persia, Erech and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa,
- Ezra 4:23 When the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them.
- Ezra 5:6 This is the text of the letter that Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates, the officials in the region, sent to King Darius.
- Ezra 6:6 Therefore Darius decreed: To Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region: You must stay away from that place!
- Esther 6:11 So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai, and paraded him through the city square, crying out before him, “This is what is done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor!”
- Job 5:12 He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success.
- Proverbs 29:26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.