Ezra 6:13

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Ezra 6:13 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Second Temple's reconstruction in Jerusalem. This verse immediately follows King Darius I's comprehensive and definitive decree, outlined in Ezra 6:1-12. This decree not only affirmed King Cyrus's original permission for the Jews to rebuild their temple but also mandated that imperial funds be used for the project and that severe penalties befall anyone who hindered it. Tatnai, the governor "on this side the river" (referring to the region west of the Euphrates, known as Trans-Euphrates), along with his colleagues Shetharboznai and their companions, had previously challenged the Jews' authority to build (as seen in Ezra 5:3-5). Upon receiving Darius's clear and stern command, their response was immediate and compliant, as detailed in this verse.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Sovereignty: This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand at work, even through pagan rulers and skeptical officials. Despite initial opposition, God orchestrated events so that the very officials who questioned the work were compelled to facilitate it, even with royal funding. This highlights that the Lord can indeed turn the heart of the king wherever He wills.
  • Obedience to Authority: The swift action of Tatnai and his companions demonstrates the absolute power of the Persian Empire's decree and the officials' readiness to obey it. Their "speedy" execution of the command underscores the importance of compliance with legitimate higher authority, especially when that authority, knowingly or unknowingly, aligns with God's divine plan.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The rebuilding of the Temple was a critical step in the restoration of the Jewish people after the Babylonian exile, a foundational theme in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The obedience of these officials directly contributed to the fulfillment of prophecies regarding Jerusalem's restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "did speedily" in the King James Version is significant. It emphasizes the promptness and lack of delay in Tatnai and his colleagues' actions. There was no further argument, no procrastination, but immediate and complete execution of the king's command. This swiftness is a testament to the undeniable authority of Darius's decree and the fear of its stated penalties.

Practical Application

Ezra 6:13 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that when God's purposes are at stake, He can move in the hearts of unlikely individuals and even through secular systems to ensure His will is done. For those facing opposition in their God-given tasks, this verse serves as a reminder that God can turn adversaries into allies or instruments of His plan. It also subtly reinforces the principle of respecting and obeying governing authorities (see Romans 13:1), recognizing that God often works through them to maintain order and even to advance His kingdom.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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