### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name **Shᵉthar Bôwzᵉnay**, represented by `{{H8370}}`, identifies a specific Persian officer. It is of foreign derivation and appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the book of Ezra.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Shetharboznai** `{{H8370}}` is consistently mentioned alongside Tatnai, the **governor** `{{H6347}}` of the region **beyond** `{{H5675}}` the **river** `{{H5103}}`. He acts as an official who questions the authority of the Jews to **build** `{{H1124}}` the **house** `{{H1005}}` of God and make up its **wall** `{{H846}}` [[Ezra 5:3]]. He is a co-sender of a **letter** `{{H104}}` to **king** `{{H4430}}` **Darius** `{{H1868}}` to seek clarification [[Ezra 5:6]]. Ultimately, he and his **companions** `{{H3675}}` are commanded to be **far** `{{H7352}}` from the work [[Ezra 6:6]] and they obey the king's final decree **speedily** `{{H629}}` [[Ezra 6:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of Shethar-Bozenai's role:
* `{{H6347}}` **pechâh** (governor): This title belongs to Tatnai, the superior officer always named with **Shetharboznai** `{{H8370}}`. Their joint actions highlight the administrative hierarchy in the Persian province [[Ezra 5:3]].
* `{{H3675}}` **kᵉnâth** (companion): This term is used to describe **Shetharboznai** `{{H8370}}` and his colleagues in relation to Tatnai, emphasizing that they operated as a collective group of officials [[Ezra 6:13]].
* `{{H1868}}` **Dârᵉyâvêsh** (Darius): The Persian **king** `{{H4430}}` to whom **Shetharboznai** `{{H8370}}` and his colleagues reported. The officials' actions were dependent on the **decree** `{{H2942}}` he would **send** `{{H7972}}` [[Ezra 5:6]].
### Theological Significance
The appearances of **Shetharboznai** `{{H8370}}` illustrate several key themes within the post-exilic narrative:
* **Persian Administration:** His role as an official shows the structured bureaucracy of the Persian Empire. The process of questioning authority, sending a **letter** `{{H104}}` for verification, and awaiting a royal **decree** `{{H2942}}` reflects an orderly, if challenging, system of governance [[Ezra 5:6]].
* **Investigating Authority:** **Shetharboznai** `{{H8370}}`, with Tatnai, represents the local leadership's scrutiny of the temple's reconstruction. They directly ask, "**Who** `{{H4479}}` hath commanded you to **build** `{{H1124}}` this **house** `{{H1005}}`?" [[Ezra 5:3]].
* **Obedience to a Higher Edict:** Despite the initial challenge, the narrative concludes with **Shetharboznai** `{{H8370}}` and his **companions** `{{H3675}}` fully complying with King Darius's orders. They carried out the decree **speedily** `{{H629}}`, ensuring the work on the temple could proceed as commanded by the **king** `{{H4430}}` [[Ezra 6:13]].
### Summary
In summary, **Shᵉthar Bôwzᵉnay** `{{H8370}}` is a Persian official who plays a specific role in the account of the rebuilding of the second temple. He is not an independent antagonist but part of a regional administrative body led by Tatnai. His story demonstrates the procedural nature of Persian rule and highlights a key moment where imperial authority, prompted by an official inquiry, ultimately facilitates the divine purpose of restoring the **house** `{{H1005}}` of God in Jerusalem.
TRV