The word nishtᵉvân H5406, which is probably of Persian origin, refers to an epistle or letter. It is a rare term, appearing only 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, both within the book of Ezra. Its usage points to formal, official correspondence, often of royal significance.
Both occurrences of H5406 are found in contexts of communication with the Persian king Artaxerxes. In the first instance, a letter is written by adversaries of Israel to the king, detailing their complaints Ezra 4:7. The verse specifies that this formal communication was written and then required interpretation. Later, the term describes the letter given by King Artaxerxes to Ezra the scribe, which contained authoritative decrees concerning the law of God Ezra 7:11. In this case, it is specifically a copy H6572 of the official document.
Several related words help clarify the nature and context of a H5406 letter:
- H3789 kâthab (to write): This primitive root signifies the act of inscribing or recording, as seen when the letter to Artaxerxes was written Ezra 4:7.
- H3791 kâthâb (something written): This refers to the physical document itself, a record or book. The Bible notes that "the writing of the letter" was in a specific tongue Ezra 4:7.
- H6572 parshegen (a transcript; copy): This word emphasizes the official and verifiable nature of the document given to Ezra, which was a copy of the king's letter Ezra 7:11.
- H8638 tirgam (to transfer, i.e. translate; interpret): The letter in Ezra 4:7 had to be interpreted, highlighting the cross-cultural and official nature of the communication.
- H2706 chôq (an enactment; decree; statute): The letter from the king to Ezra was powerful because it contained statutes to be followed, giving it legal force Ezra 7:11.
While the term itself is administrative, its context reveals the importance of written authority.
- Vehicle for Divine Law: The royal letter H5406 given to Ezra was instrumental in re-establishing the law of God in Israel, as it contained the "words H1697 of the commandments H4687 of the LORD, and of his statutes H2706" Ezra 7:11. It shows a secular decree being used to advance a divine purpose.
- Official Communication: These letters were not casual messages but formal epistles carrying the weight of royal authority. They were written H3789, copied, and sometimes interpreted, underscoring their legal and political significance.
- Permanent Record: The emphasis on a writing H3791 and a copy H6572 points to the value of a permanent, authoritative record for matters of law and state, a principle that echoes God's own laws being written for his people.
In summary, nishtᵉvân H5406 denotes a formal, authoritative letter or epistle. Though used only twice, its appearances in Ezra are pivotal, representing official communications that influenced the history of Israel. These letters highlight the power of the written word to convey royal decrees, and in one case, to serve as the official vehicle for implementing God's commandments and statutes among His people.
TRV