of Persian origin; Mithredath, the name of two Persians; Mithredath.
Transliteration:Mithrᵉdâth
Pronunciation:mith-red-awth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H4990}}` (Mithrᵉdâth) is a proper noun, a personal name of Persian origin. Its etymology is generally understood to mean "given by Mithra" or "dedicated to Mithra." Mithra was a significant deity in ancient Persian religion, associated with light, truth, contracts, and the sun. As a proper noun, its semantic range is restricted to identifying specific individuals within the biblical narrative. The Persian origin of the name is crucial, immediately situating the individuals bearing it within the context of the Persian Empire's influence on post-exilic Judah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Mithredath appears twice in the book of Ezra, referring to two distinct individuals:
1. **Mithredath, the Treasurer of Cyrus:** In [[Ezra 1:8]], Mithredath is identified as the treasurer whom King Cyrus instructed to bring forth the sacred vessels of the house of the Lord. These vessels, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Jerusalem, were to be returned to the exiles for the rebuilding of the temple. This Mithredath plays a crucial administrative role in the fulfillment of God's prophetic word concerning the return from exile and the restoration of temple worship. His actions, under the decree of Cyrus, directly facilitate the divine plan.
2. **Mithredath, an Opponent of the Jews:** In [[Ezra 4:7]], another individual named Mithredath is mentioned as one of the Persian officials who wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes, accusing the Jews and seeking to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem. This Mithredath is part of a coalition of adversaries (including Bishlam and Tabeel) who actively oppose the restoration efforts of the Jewish community. His role is one of obstruction and antagonism, reflecting the resistance faced by God's people in their endeavors.
These two occurrences highlight the diverse roles individuals within the Persian administration played in relation to the Jewish community, ranging from instrumental assistance to direct opposition.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun of Persian origin, `{{H4990}}` does not have direct linguistic cognates within the Hebrew language. However, conceptually, it relates to several significant themes:
* **Persian Empire:** The name itself points to the dominant foreign power during the post-exilic period, emphasizing the historical context of Israel's interaction with Gentile empires.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The contrasting roles of the two Mithredaths underscore God's overarching sovereignty. He uses one Persian official to facilitate His purposes (the return of vessels) and allows another to embody the opposition faced by His people, yet always remains in control of the historical narrative.
* **Return from Exile and Restoration:** The first Mithredath is directly involved in the practical aspects of the return and temple rebuilding, a central theme of Ezra.
* **Opposition to God's Work:** The second Mithredath exemplifies the consistent resistance encountered by those who seek to obey God and rebuild His kingdom.
* **Paganism and Monotheism:** The name's etymology, linking to the pagan deity Mithra, subtly highlights the religious and cultural differences between the Persian officials and the monotheistic Jewish community, even as God works through and around these differences.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4990}}` does not reside in the name's intrinsic meaning, but rather in the roles of the individuals who bear it within the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan.
The first Mithredath in [[Ezra 1:8]] serves as a powerful illustration of **divine providence**. God uses even pagan rulers and their officials (like Mithredath and Cyrus) as instruments to achieve His will, demonstrating His ultimate control over all nations and historical events. This underscores the truth that God's purposes will prevail, even through unexpected channels. The return of the sacred vessels, facilitated by Mithredath, is a tangible sign of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His desire to see His people restored to worship.
The second Mithredath in [[Ezra 4:7]] represents the **reality of opposition** to God's work. The efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple were met with consistent resistance, both political and spiritual. This Mithredath, as part of the adversaries, reminds us that the advancement of God's kingdom often involves conflict and the need for perseverance in the face of hostility.
Collectively, the appearances of Mithredath highlight the intricate ways in which God orchestrates human history, using both willing and unwitting agents, and allowing for both assistance and opposition, all to bring about His sovereign plan for His people. The name, though pagan in origin, is woven into the tapestry of biblical history to demonstrate God's absolute control over the affairs of men and nations.
### Summary
`{{H4990}}`, Mithredath, is a Persian proper name meaning "given by Mithra." It identifies two distinct individuals in the book of Ezra, each playing a significant, yet contrasting, role in the post-exilic period. One Mithredath, King Cyrus's treasurer, facilitates the return of sacred temple vessels to Jerusalem ([[Ezra 1:8]]), serving as an instrument of divine providence. The other Mithredath is an official who actively opposes the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem ([[Ezra 4:7]]), representing the consistent antagonism faced by God's people. The theological significance of these occurrences lies not in the name itself, but in how these figures, despite their pagan background, demonstrate God's ultimate sovereignty over historical events, using both cooperative and antagonistic forces to fulfill His divine plan for the restoration of His people.
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