Ezra 6:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {H3705} therefore, Tatnai, governor {H6347} beyond {H5675} the river {H5103}, Shetharboznai {H8370}, and your companions {H3675} the Apharsachites {H671}, which are beyond {H5675} the river {H5103}, be ye {H1934} far {H7352} from {H4481} thence {H8536}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore, Tatnai governor of the territory beyond the River, Sh'tar-Boznai and your colleagues the officials beyond the River, stay away from there!

Berean Standard Bible

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!

American Standard Version

Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, be ye far from thence:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 6:6 presents King Darius I's definitive decree to Tatnai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, and his associates, commanding them to cease all interference with the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple. This verse marks a pivotal turning point where the very officials who had sought to hinder the work are now sternly instructed to keep their distance, signifying God's sovereign intervention to remove obstacles and ensure the progress of His people's sacred task.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 6:6 is embedded within the narrative of the Second Temple's reconstruction after the Babylonian exile, specifically within the account of King Darius's investigation and subsequent decree. The preceding chapter, [Ezra 5](/ezra/5 "Ezra 5 - Opposition to the Temple Rebuilding"), details Tatnai and Shetharboznai's initial inquiry to Jerusalem's Jewish leaders, questioning their authority to rebuild. This inquiry led to a letter being sent to King Darius, seeking clarification. [Ezra 6:1-5](/ezra/6-1 "Ezra 6:1-5 - Darius Finds Cyrus's Decree") then describes Darius's search of the royal archives, where he discovers the original decree of King Cyrus, explicitly authorizing and even funding the temple's reconstruction. Therefore, [Ezra 6:6](/ezra/6-6 "Ezra 6:6 - Darius's Decree to Tatnai") serves as the immediate consequence of this discovery, initiating Darius's powerful affirmation of Cyrus's mandate and a direct command to the very officials who had posed the challenge, setting the stage for the temple's unhindered completion, as detailed in [Ezra 6:7-12](/ezra/6-7 "Ezra 6:7-12 - Darius's Further Commands for Support").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This verse is set in the Persian Empire during the reign of Darius I (522-486 BC), a period following the initial return of Jewish exiles to Judah. The "province beyond the river" (`'abar nahara'`) refers to the administrative region of Trans-Euphrates, a vast satrapy west of the Euphrates River that included Judah, Samaria, and other territories. Tatnai was the Persian governor (satrap) of this significant region, responsible for its administration and tax collection. Persian imperial policy, as exemplified by Cyrus's earlier decree, often involved allowing conquered peoples to return to their lands and rebuild their religious sites, provided they remained loyal subjects. However, local officials sometimes acted on their own initiative or were swayed by local opposition, as seen in Tatnai's inquiry. Royal decrees in Persia were legally binding and often meticulously recorded in archives, underscoring the legal weight and authority behind Darius's pronouncement in [Ezra 6:6](/ezra/6-6 "Ezra 6:6 - Darius's Decree to Tatnai"). The Aramaic language, the lingua franca of the Persian Empire's western provinces, is used in this section of Ezra, reflecting the official nature of the correspondence and decrees.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, demonstrating how God works through secular authorities, even pagan kings like Darius, to accomplish His purposes. Darius's heart is moved to not only confirm but actively support the temple's rebuilding, illustrating how God can [direct the hearts of kings](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord") to fulfill His will. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Overcoming Opposition**. What began as an inquiry intended to halt the work is dramatically transformed into a royal injunction to cease all interference, signifying God's ability to turn adversaries into instruments of His plan. This offers profound encouragement that God can [turn opposition into support](/nehemiah/4-15 "Nehemiah 4:15 - God Frustrates the Plans of the Enemy") for His work. Finally, it emphasizes **Authority and Protection** for God's people. Darius's decree grants the Jews the full legal and royal protection they needed, ensuring that their sacred task could proceed unhindered and even with imperial resources, reinforcing God's commitment to protecting His people and their divinely appointed tasks, a theme echoed in passages like [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalm/121-7 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord Will Keep You from All Evil").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **beyond the river (Aramaic, _'abar nahara'_):** This Aramaic phrase literally means "across the river" and refers specifically to the administrative province of Trans-Euphrates, a satrapy of the Persian Empire located west of the Euphrates River. This region encompassed a vast territory, including Judah, Samaria, Syria, and Phoenicia. Tatnai was the governor of this province, making him the highest Persian authority in the region where the temple was being rebuilt. The mention of this specific geographical and administrative designation underscores the official, imperial context of the decree and the broad scope of Tatnai's authority, which was now being decisively curtailed in relation to the temple project.
* **Apharsachites (Aramaic, _'ap̄arsakye'_):** This term likely refers to a specific ethnic group or, more probably, a class of Persian officials or administrators who served under Tatnai's authority in the Trans-Euphrates province. They were part of the bureaucratic apparatus that had initially challenged the Jews' rebuilding efforts. Their inclusion in the decree indicates that the command "be ye far from thence" applied not only to Tatnai and Shetharboznai but also to their entire retinue and any other officials who might have been involved in the opposition or could potentially cause future hindrance.
* **be ye far from thence (Aramaic, _reḥîqû min tammāh'_):** This is an emphatic imperative in Aramaic, conveying a strong and unequivocal command to "keep your distance," "stay away," or "do not interfere." It is a direct prohibition against any further involvement in hindering the temple's construction. The force of this command highlights the definitive nature of Darius's decree and the complete reversal of the situation: those who sought to stop the work are now forbidden from even approaching it with ill intent. It signifies a decisive removal of obstacles and a clear path forward for the builders.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now [therefore], Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which [are] beyond the river":** This clause precisely identifies the recipients of King Darius's decree. It names Tatnai, the chief Persian administrator of the Trans-Euphrates province, and Shetharboznai, another prominent official, along with their "companions the Apharsachites," referring to their associated officials or ethnic group. The repetition of "which are beyond the river" serves to firmly establish their jurisdiction and, by extension, the scope of the command that follows. It underscores that the king's authority reaches directly to those who had initiated the opposition.
* **"be ye far from thence":** This is the core command of the verse, an emphatic imperative. It means "keep your distance," "stay away," or "do not interfere with the work at Jerusalem." This is a stern and absolute prohibition, directly countermanding their previous actions of inquiry and implied hindrance. It signifies a complete reversal of their position from potential obstructors to mandated non-interferers. The implication is not merely to cease opposition, but to actively remove themselves from any proximity that might suggest further interference or even observation with hostile intent.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 6:6 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey the power and significance of Darius's decree. The most prominent is the **Royal Decree** itself, which functions as a powerful narrative device signifying absolute authority and irreversible command. The formal, direct address to the named officials ("Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions") emphasizes the weight and legal binding nature of the king's word. There is also a strong element of **Irony** at play: the very officials who initiated the inquiry with the intent to halt the temple's construction are now commanded by the highest earthly authority to "be far from thence," effectively removing themselves from the scene of their intended obstruction. This ironic reversal highlights God's sovereign control over human affairs. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Divine Reversal**, where a situation initiated by human opposition is dramatically turned around by divine providence, operating through a pagan king, to become an affirmation and protection of God's work. The abruptness of "be ye far from thence" after the detailed identification of the officials creates a sense of immediate, non-negotiable authority, underscoring the finality of the king's decision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 6:6 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign control over all earthly powers. It reveals that no human opposition, no matter how formidable or bureaucratically entrenched, can ultimately thwart the divine purposes. Just as God "turns the hearts of kings wherever he wills" ([Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")), Darius's decree is not merely a political act but an instrument of divine providence, ensuring the completion of the temple. This demonstrates that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations, orchestrating events—even through those who do not acknowledge Him—to protect His people and advance His kingdom. The command "be ye far from thence" is a dramatic manifestation of God clearing the path for His work, turning potential adversaries into unwitting facilitators or, at the very least, non-interfering parties. This offers profound encouragement that God will always provide the necessary means and protection for His people to fulfill their God-given tasks, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

* [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")
* [Isaiah 45:1-4](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1-4 - God's Anointing of Cyrus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 6:6 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating opposition in their lives and ministries. When we embark on tasks we believe are God-ordained, whether it's personal spiritual growth, family discipleship, or broader ministry initiatives, we often encounter resistance—from skeptical colleagues, bureaucratic hurdles, financial constraints, or even direct antagonism. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is ultimately in control, and His purposes will prevail. Just as Darius's decree cleared the path for the temple's completion, we can trust that God has the power to remove obstacles in unexpected ways, even turning the hearts of those who oppose us or compelling them to stand aside. It encourages us to persist in faith and prayer, knowing that our Lord ultimately oversees all circumstances to ensure the fulfillment of His will. We are called to be faithful in our part, to build with diligence, and to trust that God will handle the opposition, often in ways far beyond our imagination.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "opposition" or "hindrances" are you currently facing in a God-given task or calling?**
* **How does the story of Darius's decree in Ezra 6:6 encourage you to trust in God's sovereign ability to remove obstacles?**
* **In what ways might God be working through unexpected channels or individuals to advance His purposes in your life or community?**
* **How can you apply the principle of persistence in faith, even when circumstances seem to suggest otherwise, as demonstrated by the Jewish builders?**

### FAQ

**Who were Tatnai and Shetharboznai, and what was their role?**

Answer: Tatnai was the Persian governor (satrap) of the province "beyond the river" (Trans-Euphrates), a vast administrative region west of the Euphrates River that included Judah. Shetharboznai was another high-ranking official associated with Tatnai. Their role was to oversee the administration, taxation, and general order of their province. When they heard about the Jews rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, they questioned the authority for such a project and sent a letter of inquiry to King Darius, effectively attempting to halt the work until royal authorization could be confirmed or denied, as seen in [Ezra 5:3-5](/ezra/5-3 "Ezra 5:3-5 - Tatnai's Inquiry").

**Why did King Darius issue such a strong decree, commanding them to "be ye far from thence"?**

Answer: King Darius issued this strong decree after his royal archives were searched and the original decree of King Cyrus (from [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")) was found in Ecbatana, explicitly authorizing and even funding the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem ([Ezra 6:1-5](/ezra/6-1 "Ezra 6:1-5 - Darius Finds Cyrus's Decree")). As a ruler who valued legal precedent and imperial order, Darius was bound to uphold Cyrus's decree. His command to Tatnai and his companions to "be far from thence" was a stern, emphatic imperative to cease all interference and allow the work to proceed unhindered, demonstrating his commitment to justice and the established law of the empire.

**What does "Apharsachites" mean, and why are they mentioned?**

Answer: The "Apharsachites" (Aramaic: `אַפַרְסַכְיֵא`, `'ap̄arsakye'`) likely refers to a specific ethnic group or, more commonly understood, a class of Persian officials or administrators who served under Tatnai's authority in the Trans-Euphrates province. They were part of the bureaucratic apparatus that had initially challenged the Jews' rebuilding efforts. Their mention alongside Tatnai and Shetharboznai indicates that the royal command to cease interference applied to all levels of the provincial administration involved in the opposition, ensuring a comprehensive removal of obstacles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 6:6, with its dramatic reversal of opposition and the clearing of the path for the Temple's rebuilding, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate work of Christ. The earthly temple, though significant, was but a shadow of the true Temple, which is Christ Himself ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Just as Darius's decree ensured the physical construction, God's ultimate decree in Christ ensures the building of His spiritual Temple, the Church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). The "be ye far from thence" issued to Tatnai and his companions finds its ultimate echo in Christ's triumph over all spiritual opposition. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities that sought to hinder God's redemptive plan, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He has given His followers authority to overcome the schemes of the enemy ([Luke 10:19](/luke/10-19 "Luke 10:19 - Authority Over Evil")). The unhindered completion of the temple in Ezra points to the certain and glorious completion of God's redemptive work through Christ, where every spiritual adversary will ultimately be commanded to "be far from thence" from His eternal kingdom, and His people will dwell in the presence of the [Lamb, the true Temple](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem").

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 5:3

¶ At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

Acts 4:26

The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

Acts 4:28

For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

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:

Isaiah 27:8

In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind.