Ezra 5:7

KJV

They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace.

KJV (with Strong's)

They sent {H7972} a letter {H6600} unto {H5922} him, wherein {H1459} was written {H3790} thus {H1836}; Unto Darius {H1868} the king {H4430}, all {H3606} peace {H8001}.

Complete Jewish Bible

they sent him a letter in which it was written: "To Daryavesh the king, "Complete shalom!"

Berean Standard Bible

The report they sent him read as follows: To King Darius: All peace.

American Standard Version

they sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus: Unto Darius the king, all peace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 5:7 presents the formal opening of a letter sent by Tatnai, the Persian governor of Trans-Euphrates, and his associates to King Darius I. This crucial communication was initiated in response to the renewed efforts of the Jewish community to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, a project that had previously been halted. The verse highlights the meticulous diplomatic protocol of the Persian Empire, beginning with a respectful and deferential salutation to the reigning monarch, "Unto Darius the king, all peace," signaling a formal inquiry rather than an immediate cessation of the work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 5:7 is embedded within a pivotal section of Ezra that details the resumption of temple rebuilding after a period of stagnation. Following the prophetic encouragement of [Haggai and Zechariah](/ezra/5-1 "Ezra 5:1 - Prophets Haggai and Zechariah"), Zerubbabel and Jeshua, along with the people, recommenced the work on the temple. This activity quickly drew the attention of Tatnai, the governor, and Shethar-boznai, his associate, who arrived to investigate the legitimacy of the project ([Ezra 5:3](/ezra/5-3 "Ezra 5:3 - Tatnai's Inquiry")). Rather than immediately exercising their authority to stop the construction, they prudently chose to send a formal inquiry to King Darius, seeking clarification on the legal basis for the Jews' actions. This verse marks the beginning of that official correspondence, setting the stage for the discovery of [Cyrus's original decree](/ezra/6-1 "Ezra 6:1 - Darius Finds Cyrus's Decree") that authorized the rebuilding.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 5 take place during the reign of Darius I (522-486 BC), a powerful ruler of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. The empire was vast and meticulously organized into satrapies, each governed by an appointed official like Tatnai, who was responsible for the region "Beyond the River" (Trans-Euphrates). Persian administration was characterized by a strong emphasis on legal precedent and written decrees. Governors were expected to maintain order and revenue but also to respect established laws and royal edicts. The formal salutation "Unto Darius the king, all peace" reflects the standard diplomatic protocol of the era, where respect for the monarch's authority and a wish for his well-being were paramount in official correspondence. This cautious approach by Tatnai highlights the structured bureaucracy of the Persian Empire, where arbitrary actions were often avoided in favor of official inquiry and adherence to legal precedent.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Providence Amidst Human Bureaucracy**. Even though the inquiry was initiated by officials who questioned the temple rebuilding, God orchestrates these human actions to ultimately serve His purposes, leading to the re-affirmation of the temple decree. Secondly, it highlights the importance of **Respect for Authority and Diplomatic Communication**. The meticulous and deferential opening demonstrates the protocol observed when addressing a monarch, emphasizing that even skeptical officials adhered to proper channels. This also touches on the theme of **Legal Precedent and Royal Decrees**, as the entire inquiry hinges on the existence and validity of Cyrus's original authorization for the temple's reconstruction, which will be confirmed in [Ezra 6](/ezra/6 "Ezra 6 - The Temple Completed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Aramaic, _sh'lam_ / Hebrew, _shalom'_):** While the KJV translates this as "peace," the Aramaic word _sh'lam_ (שְׁלָם) is cognate with the Hebrew _shalom_ (שָׁלוֹם). In both languages, this concept extends far beyond merely the absence of conflict. It encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, health, security, and harmony in all aspects of life—spiritual, physical, and relational. When Tatnai and his companions wrote "all peace" to King Darius, it was a formal and comprehensive wish for his prosperity, welfare, and the stability of his reign, a standard diplomatic greeting that also subtly conveyed their loyalty and desire for the king's continued favor.
* **King (Aramaic, _malka'_):** The direct address "Unto Darius the king" emphasizes the supreme authority to whom the letter is directed. In the Persian Empire, the king's word was law, and all administrative decisions ultimately flowed from him. This direct and respectful address underscores the gravity of the matter and the officials' understanding that only the king could definitively resolve the dispute regarding the temple's rebuilding.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus;":** This clause identifies "they" as Tatnai, Shethar-boznai, and their companions (as established in [Ezra 5:3](/ezra/5-3 "Ezra 5:3 - Tatnai's Arrival")). "Him" refers to King Darius I. The phrase "wherein was written thus" introduces the direct quotation of the letter's opening, emphasizing its official and formal nature. This was not a casual note but a meticulously crafted diplomatic document.
* **"Unto Darius the king, all peace.":** This is the precise opening salutation of the letter. It adheres to ancient Near Eastern epistolary conventions, beginning with the addressee's name and title, followed by a standard greeting. The phrase "all peace" serves as a comprehensive wish for the king's well-being, prosperity, and the stability of his reign, a crucial element in establishing a respectful and deferential tone before presenting the matter at hand. It also implicitly seeks the king's favor and goodwill.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 5:7 primarily employs **Direct Discourse**, as it presents the exact opening words of the letter sent to King Darius. This allows the reader to directly encounter the formal and diplomatic language used in ancient Persian administration. The use of **Formulaic Language** is evident in the standardized greeting "Unto [Name] the king, all peace," which was a common epistolary convention of the time, signifying respect and adherence to protocol. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Conciseness** in its opening, conveying a profound sense of deference and official intent in just a few words, setting the tone for the detailed inquiry that would follow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 5:7, though seemingly a simple administrative detail, carries significant theological weight. It demonstrates God's sovereignty over earthly rulers and bureaucratic processes. Even when faced with potential opposition or scrutiny from governing authorities, God's plan for His people's restoration and the rebuilding of His temple moves forward. The respectful and legalistic approach taken by Tatnai, rather than an immediate cessation of work, ultimately serves to confirm the divine decree given through Cyrus, showcasing how God can use human systems, even those outside of His covenant people, to accomplish His will. This verse reminds us that God's purposes are not thwarted by human inquiries or administrative hurdles but can, in fact, be advanced through them.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 5:7 offers valuable lessons for believers navigating contemporary society. It underscores the importance of respectful engagement with governing authorities, even when their intentions or policies might seem to challenge our faith or mission. Tatnai's decision to follow proper channels and address the king with deference, rather than resorting to immediate force, serves as a model for how believers can operate within established systems. It encourages us to communicate with integrity and respect, seeking clarification and presenting our case through appropriate means, trusting that God can work through such processes. Furthermore, the verse provides encouragement that God's purposes are not derailed by bureaucratic inquiries or challenges, but that He can sovereignly use such situations to bring about His desired outcomes, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of His promises and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the example of Tatnai's respectful inquiry challenge or affirm your approach to engaging with governing authorities today?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, apply the principle of "all peace" (shalom) in our communication, even when addressing difficult or contentious issues?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to trust God's sovereignty when facing bureaucratic hurdles or opposition in your own endeavors?**

### FAQ

**Why did Tatnai write to Darius instead of just stopping the work?**
Answer: Tatnai, as a Persian governor, operated within a highly structured administrative system that valued legal precedent and royal decrees. The Jews claimed they were rebuilding the temple based on a decree from King Cyrus ([Ezra 5:11-15](/ezra/5-11 "Ezra 5:11-15 - The Jews' Response to Tatnai")). To arbitrarily stop the work without verifying this claim would have been a serious overreach of his authority if a royal decree indeed existed. By sending a formal letter to King Darius, Tatnai was following proper protocol, seeking clarification from the highest authority. This approach ensured that any action taken would be legally sound and backed by the king's word, preventing potential political repercussions and demonstrating his loyalty and adherence to imperial law.

**What is the significance of "all peace" in this context?**
Answer: The phrase "all peace" (Aramaic _sh'lam_, cognate with Hebrew _shalom_) is a profound and comprehensive greeting. It signifies more than just the absence of conflict; it conveys a wish for wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and harmony in all aspects of life. In this diplomatic context, it serves as a formal expression of deference, loyalty, and a desire for the king's continued welfare and the stability of his vast empire. By opening with such a respectful and encompassing wish, Tatnai and his associates aimed to establish a favorable tone for their inquiry, demonstrating their allegiance and seeking the king's goodwill before presenting their concerns about the temple rebuilding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 5:7, with its emphasis on a formal greeting of "all peace" to an earthly king, foreshadows the ultimate "Prince of Peace" who would come to establish a kingdom of true and lasting peace. The _shalom_ sought for Darius, a temporal ruler, finds its ultimate and eternal fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the one who brings reconciliation between God and humanity, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility through His sacrifice on the cross ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Just as God sovereignly worked through the Persian bureaucracy to ensure the rebuilding of the physical temple, He orchestrated all of history, including the rule of earthly kings, to bring about the coming of His Son. Christ, the true King, possesses all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and His reign ushers in a peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")), not merely the absence of conflict, but the comprehensive well-being and harmony that God desires for His creation. The rebuilding of the temple in Ezra points forward to the spiritual temple, the Church, built upon Christ as the cornerstone, where God's true presence dwells and where His peace is fully realized ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.