Ezra 6:13

KJV

¶ Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} Tatnai, governor {H6347} on this side {H5675} the river {H5103}, Shetharboznai {H8370}, and their companions {H3675}, according {H6903} to that which Darius {H1868} the king {H4430} had sent {H7972}, so {H3660} they did {H5648} speedily {H629}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Tatnai the governor of the territory beyond the [Euphrates] River, Sh'tar-Boznai and their colleagues obeyed strictly; because Daryavesh the king had given the order to do so.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, because that Darius the king had sent, did accordingly with all diligence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 6:13 records the swift and complete obedience of the Persian officials, Tatnai, Shetharboznai, and their colleagues, to King Darius's decree concerning the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. This pivotal moment demonstrates a dramatic shift from initial opposition to immediate cooperation, highlighting God's sovereign hand in orchestrating events and turning the hearts of even pagan rulers to accomplish His divine purposes for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 6:13 serves as the narrative culmination of a significant confrontation and resolution. It immediately follows King Darius I's comprehensive and definitive decree, detailed in [Ezra 6:1-12](/ezra/6-1 "Ezra 6:1-12 - King Darius's Decree for Temple Rebuilding"). This decree was issued in response to a formal inquiry by Tatnai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, and his colleagues, who had previously challenged the Jews' authority to rebuild the Temple ([Ezra 5:3-5](/ezra/5-3 "Ezra 5:3-5 - Tatnai's Inquiry and Opposition")). The verse marks the turning point from imperial scrutiny and potential obstruction to full imperial endorsement and financial support, thereby clearing the way for the Temple's completion. It underscores the theme of divine intervention in the face of human obstacles, leading directly to the successful completion of the Temple as narrated in [Ezra 6:14-15](/ezra/6-14 "Ezra 6:14-15 - Completion of the Temple").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 6:13 are set within the vast administrative framework of the Persian Empire, specifically during the reign of Darius I (522-486 BC), a period known for its meticulous record-keeping and efficient governance. Tatnai was the governor (satrap) of the province "on this side the river," referring to Trans-Euphrates (Abar-Nahara in Aramaic), the region west of the Euphrates River, which included Judah. Persian imperial decrees, once issued by the king, carried absolute authority and were expected to be executed without question or delay. The "speedy" compliance of Tatnai and his companions reflects not only their respect for royal authority but also the potential severe penalties for disobedience, as explicitly warned in Darius's decree ([Ezra 6:11-12](/ezra/6-11 "Ezra 6:11-12 - Darius's Warning of Severe Penalties")). This historical context illuminates the immense power wielded by the Persian monarchy and how God providentially used this system to facilitate the restoration of His people and their worship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's ability to work through pagan rulers and secular systems to achieve His purposes. The very officials who initially questioned the Temple's rebuilding are now compelled to facilitate it, even with royal funding, demonstrating that the Lord can indeed [turn the heart of the king](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord") wherever He wills. Secondly, it emphasizes **Obedience to Authority**, as the swift action of Tatnai and his companions underscores the absolute power of the Persian Empire's decree and the officials' readiness to obey it. This compliance, even if motivated by fear, ultimately aligns with God's divine plan. Thirdly, the verse contributes to the theme of **Fulfillment of Prophecy** regarding the restoration of Jerusalem and its Temple after the Babylonian exile, a foundational element in the post-exilic books. The obedience of these officials directly contributed to the realization of God's promises for His people, as seen in the broader narrative of [Ezra](/ezra/1 "The Book of Ezra - Return from Exile and Rebuilding").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tatnai (Hebrew, _Tatnay_):** This name identifies the specific Persian governor of the province of Trans-Euphrates. His prominence in the narrative underscores the high-level imperial involvement in the Temple rebuilding project. His initial skepticism and formal inquiry, followed by his immediate and complete obedience, highlight the dramatic shift in imperial policy and God's effective orchestration of events through human agents.
* **Shetharboznai (Hebrew, _Shethar-Boznay_):** Identified as a companion or colleague of Tatnai, indicating that the opposition and subsequent compliance were a collective action of the provincial administration. His inclusion emphasizes that the entire regional authority structure was brought into alignment with Darius's decree.
* **speedily (Aramaic, _'asparna'_):** This adverb is crucial, emphasizing the promptness, efficiency, and lack of delay or further argument in the officials' actions. It conveys a sense of urgency and complete compliance, signifying that the royal command was executed without hesitation or resistance. This swiftness is a testament to the undeniable authority of Darius's decree and the fear of its stated penalties, but also, providentially, to the expeditious progress of God's work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions":** This clause identifies the key actors in the verse. These are the same Persian officials who had previously challenged the Jews' right to build the Temple, demonstrating a dramatic reversal of their stance. Their titles underscore their significant administrative authority within the Persian Empire's western provinces.
* **"according to that which Darius the king had sent":** This phrase clearly states the source and authority behind their actions. Their obedience was not arbitrary but a direct response to the specific, detailed, and unequivocal decree issued by King Darius. It highlights the absolute power of the Persian monarch and the officials' obligation to execute his commands precisely.
* **"so they did speedily":** This concluding phrase describes the manner and outcome of their response. The word "speedily" (Aramaic _'asparna'_) is emphatic, signifying immediate, unhesitating, and thorough compliance. There was no procrastination, no further questioning, but prompt execution of the royal command, ensuring no further hindrance to the Temple's reconstruction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. There is clear **Narrative Irony**, as the very officials who initially sought to impede the Temple's construction are now compelled to facilitate it, even providing resources. This ironic twist underscores the overarching theme of God's sovereignty. The emphasis on "speedily" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, highlighting the dramatic and immediate shift in the officials' behavior, leaving no doubt about the king's absolute authority and their complete submission to it. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, as the swift and unhindered execution of the decree sets the stage for the successful completion of the Temple, indicating that God's plan will prevail despite initial opposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 6:13 provides a profound theological insight into the nature of God's sovereignty and His ability to work through unexpected channels. It demonstrates that God's purposes are not contingent upon the cooperation of His people alone, but that He can sovereignly influence the hearts and actions of even pagan rulers and secular authorities to accomplish His divine will. This principle, often referred to as common grace or God's providential governance, assures believers that no human obstacle or political power can ultimately thwart God's plans. The immediate and complete obedience of Tatnai and his colleagues, though likely motivated by fear of the king, ultimately served God's redemptive purposes for Israel, ensuring the restoration of proper worship in Jerusalem. This illustrates that God's hand is at work in all spheres of life, orchestrating events for the good of His people and the advancement of His kingdom.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God at Work Within You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 6:13 offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers today. It reminds us that when we are engaged in God's work, even in the face of significant opposition or bureaucratic hurdles, God remains sovereign and active. He possesses the power to turn adversaries into allies, or at least into instruments of His will, often in surprising and unexpected ways. This verse calls us to trust in God's timing and methods, even when circumstances seem bleak or human efforts appear insufficient. It also subtly reinforces the biblical principle of respecting and obeying governing authorities, recognizing that God often works through them to maintain order and even to advance His kingdom, whether they acknowledge Him or not. Our task is to remain faithful in our calling, knowing that God will clear the path for His purposes to be fulfilled.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the swift obedience of Tatnai and his companions encourage you when you face opposition in your God-given tasks?**
* **In what ways have you seen God's providential hand at work in unexpected places or through unlikely individuals in your own life or in the world around you?**
* **What does the "speedy" execution of Darius's command teach us about our own obedience to divine mandates?**

### FAQ
**Who were Tatnai and Shetharboznai, and why is their action significant?**

Answer: Tatnai was the governor of the Persian province of Trans-Euphrates, and Shetharboznai was one of his colleagues. They were initially the officials who questioned the Jews' authority to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem and sent a formal inquiry to King Darius ([Ezra 5:3-5](/ezra/5-3 "Ezra 5:3-5 - Tatnai's Inquiry to Darius")). Their action in Ezra 6:13 is significant because it marks a dramatic reversal: upon receiving Darius's definitive decree, they immediately and completely complied with the king's command to not only cease hindering the work but to actively support it, even with royal funds ([Ezra 6:6-12](/ezra/6-6 "Ezra 6:6-12 - Darius's Decree and Support")). This demonstrates the absolute power of the Persian monarchy and, more importantly, God's sovereign ability to turn the hearts of rulers and use them to accomplish His divine will.

**How does Ezra 6:13 demonstrate God's sovereignty?**

Answer: This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty by showing His ability to orchestrate events and influence human actions, even those of powerful pagan rulers, to fulfill His purposes. Despite the initial opposition from Tatnai and his colleagues, God moved King Darius to issue a decree that not only affirmed the rebuilding of the Temple but also mandated imperial support and protected the workers. The "speedy" obedience of these officials underscores that God can turn the hearts of those who might be adversaries into instruments for His plan, ensuring that His will is accomplished regardless of human resistance. It is a clear example of God working behind the scenes in secular affairs to advance His kingdom, as seen in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 6:13, though set in the context of the physical Temple's rebuilding, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the establishment of God's spiritual Temple, the Church, with Jesus Christ as its cornerstone. Just as God sovereignly moved a pagan king and his officials to facilitate the construction of the Old Testament Temple, so too does He sovereignly work through all authorities and circumstances to build His eternal kingdom through Christ. The authority of King Darius, which compelled immediate obedience from Tatnai and his companions, foreshadows the ultimate and supreme authority of Jesus Christ, to whom [all authority in heaven and on earth has been given](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). The physical Temple, which was restored through God's providential hand, pointed forward to the true dwelling place of God among humanity, which is found in Christ and His body, the Church, composed of living stones built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church"); [1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones, a Spiritual House")). God's unwavering commitment to His people's restoration in Ezra ultimately culminates in the complete redemption and spiritual rebuilding offered through the finished work of Christ, demonstrating His supremacy over all creation and His ongoing work in history to bring all things under His headship ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy Over All Creation")).

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.

Cross-References

Ezra 4:9

Then [wrote] Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, [and] the Elamites,

Job 5:12

He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform [their] enterprise.

Job 5:13

He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.

Ezra 5:6

The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which [were] on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:

Proverbs 29:26

¶ Many seek the ruler's favour; but [every] man's judgment [cometh] from the LORD.

Ezra 6:6

Now [therefore], Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which [are] beyond the river, be ye far from thence:

Esther 6:11

Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.