### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H5406 (נִשְׁתְּוָן, *nishtᵉvân*) is an Aramaic term, likely derived from Persian, signifying a formal "epistle" or "letter." Its core meaning denotes a written communication of an official or administrative nature, rather than a personal correspondence. It carries the connotation of a document with legal or governmental weight, often originating from or directed to high-ranking officials or royalty. The semantic range is quite narrow, consistently referring to such official written communications within the context of imperial bureaucracy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H5406 appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Ezra, underscoring its specific usage in the context of the Persian imperial administration and its interactions with the returning Jewish exiles.
* **[[Ezra 4:7]]**: Refers to a letter sent by the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin to King Artaxerxes, accusing the Jews and seeking to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
* **[[Ezra 4:8]]**: Mentions another letter, likely a more detailed one, from Rehum the commanding officer and Shimshai the scribe, also addressed to Artaxerxes, containing accusations against Jerusalem.
* **[[Ezra 4:11]]**: Introduces the "copy of the letter" that the accusers sent to King Artaxerxes, emphasizing its official and recorded nature.
* **[[Ezra 4:18]]**: Artaxerxes acknowledges receipt of "the letter" sent to him, confirming it has been read and translated. This indicates the formal process of royal communication.
* **[[Ezra 5:5]]**: Though not directly stating nishtᵉvân, the context implies that a "report" (which would be a formal letter) was sent to Darius concerning the rebuilding, awaiting a "written reply" (also a nishtᵉvân).
* **[[Ezra 5:6]]**: Refers to the "copy of the letter" that Tattenai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, and his associates sent to King Darius, inquiring about the authority for the temple rebuilding. This is a formal administrative inquiry.
* **[[Ezra 6:6]]**: Darius's response begins by referencing the contents of Tattenai's previous "letter" (implied by the preceding context of [[Ezra 5:6]]), indicating the official nature of the communication chain.
In all occurrences, nishtᵉvân functions as a critical medium for official communication between imperial subjects and the king, or between different levels of the imperial administration. These letters are not mere suggestions but instruments of policy, inquiry, accusation, and decree, directly impacting the political and religious fortunes of the Jewish people during the post-exilic period.
### Related Words & Concepts
While H5406 specifically denotes an official epistle in Aramaic, other Hebrew and Aramaic terms convey similar or broader concepts of written communication:
* `{{H3791}}` (כְּתָב, *kᵉtâb*): A more general term for "writing," "document," or "decree." It can encompass various forms of written material, including official documents.
* `{{H5608}}` (סֵפֶר, *sēpher*): A widely used term for "book," "scroll," "document," or "letter." It is broader than nishtᵉvân and can refer to sacred texts, legal documents, or personal letters.
* `{{H5612}}` (סִפְרָא, *siphra'*): The Aramaic equivalent of sēpher, also meaning "book," "scroll," or "letter," often used for official records or decrees.
The concept of nishtᵉvân is intrinsically linked to the administrative machinery of ancient empires, highlighting the importance of written decrees, official inquiries, and documented accusations in the governance of vast territories. It stands in contrast to prophetic utterances or oral traditions, emphasizing the human, bureaucratic, and legal dimensions of governance.
### Theological Significance
Though nishtᵉvân is a secular term describing a form of communication, its theological significance in Ezra is profound. It serves as a tangible representation of God's providential work within and through human governmental structures.
The letters sent by the adversaries of the Jews (e.g., [[Ezra 4:7]]) were intended to thwart God's plan for the rebuilding of His Temple and Jerusalem. Yet, even these hostile communications were subject to God's ultimate sovereignty. The very act of sending and receiving these letters, and the subsequent royal decrees, became part of the divine unfolding of history. God, in His wisdom, allowed these administrative processes to play out, ultimately turning them to His purposes.
Furthermore, the inquiries made by officials like Tattenai (e.g., [[Ezra 5:6]]) through formal letters led to King Darius's investigation and subsequent decree to support the rebuilding efforts (Ezra 6). This demonstrates how God can use the meticulous, albeit often slow, processes of human bureaucracy to ensure the fulfillment of His promises. The integrity of the written word, even in secular contexts, becomes a testament to the order God established in the world and His ability to guide even the hearts of kings (cf. [[Proverbs 21:1]]). Thus, nishtᵉvân illustrates the meticulous way in which God orchestrates historical events, using even the mundane instruments of imperial administration to achieve His redemptive purposes for His people.
### Summary
H5406 (נִשְׁתְּוָן, *nishtᵉvân*) is an Aramaic term denoting a formal, official "letter" or "epistle," likely of Persian origin. Its occurrences are confined to the book of Ezra, where it consistently refers to administrative correspondence within the Persian imperial system. These letters were crucial instruments for conveying official inquiries, accusations, and royal decrees, directly impacting the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. Theologically, nishtᵉvân underscores God's meticulous providence, demonstrating His sovereign control over human governments and their bureaucratic processes. Even when intended to hinder His people, these formal communications ultimately served God's overarching plan, revealing His ability to work through secular means to achieve His divine purposes.
TRV