Ezra 6:6

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

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}:

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

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!

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

Context of Ezra 6:6

Ezra 6:6 is a pivotal verse within the account of the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It forms part of a powerful decree issued by King Darius I of Persia. Earlier, Persian officials, including Tatnai, the governor of the province "beyond the river" (the Trans-Euphrates region), and Shetharboznai, had questioned the authority of the Jews to rebuild the temple, sending a letter of inquiry to King Darius (Ezra 5:3). This verse marks the culmination of Darius's investigation, which involved searching the royal archives and discovering the original decree of King Cyrus (Ezra 6:1-2) that explicitly permitted and even encouraged the temple's reconstruction. Consequently, Darius's decree here is a strong affirmation of the Jews' divine mandate and a stern command to the very officials who had sought to hinder the work.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence and Sovereignty: This verse powerfully demonstrates God's sovereign hand at work, even through pagan kings. Darius, a mighty Persian ruler, is moved to not only confirm but actively support the rebuilding of the temple, illustrating how God can direct the hearts of kings to accomplish His purposes.
  • Overcoming Opposition: The command "be ye far from thence" signifies the dramatic removal of obstacles. What began as an inquiry meant to halt the work is now transformed into a royal injunction to cease all interference and even provide assistance. This offers encouragement that God can turn opposition into support for His work.
  • Authority and Protection: King Darius's decree grants the Jews the full legal and royal protection they needed. Tatnai, Shetharboznai, and their companions are not just told to stop hindering; the subsequent verses (Ezra 6:7-12) command them to provide resources and ensure the work's completion, highlighting God's commitment to protecting His people and their sacred tasks.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "beyond the river" ('abar nahara' in Aramaic) specifically refers to the administrative province of Trans-Euphrates, which encompassed Judah and the surrounding territories west of the Euphrates River. Tatnai was the governor of this vast region. The "Apharsachites" likely refers to an ethnic group or a class of officials within the Persian administration under Tatnai's authority. The command "be ye far from thence" (rechaqu min tamah) is an emphatic imperative, meaning to keep a distance and absolutely not interfere. It conveys a strong sense of dismissal and prohibition against any further involvement in hindering the temple's construction.

Practical Application and Reflection

Ezra 6:6 offers timeless lessons for believers today. When pursuing God's call or engaging in His work, we may encounter opposition, skepticism, or bureaucratic hurdles. This verse reminds us that God is faithful to His promises (2 Timothy 2:13) and has the power to remove obstacles in unexpected ways. Just as Darius's decree cleared the path for the temple's completion, we can trust that God will make a way for His will to be done, even turning adversaries into unwitting instruments of His plan. It encourages persistence in faith and prayer, knowing that the Lord ultimately oversees all circumstances to ensure the fulfillment of His purposes.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezra 5:3 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 21:30 (4 votes)

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

  • Acts 4:26 (3 votes)

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

  • Acts 4:28 (3 votes)

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

  • Ezra 5:6 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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