Ezra 5:6 – “This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates, the officials of Trans-Euphrates, sent to King Darius.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Ezra 5:6 introduces a letter written by Tattenai, the governor of the region beyond the Euphrates River, along with his associates, to King Darius of Persia. This letter was sent in response to the Jewish people’s efforts to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Tattenai and the other officials were uncertain about the legitimacy of the temple project, so they decided to consult the king for guidance.
This verse is significant because it shows the official inquiry into the Jews’ activities. Instead of taking matters into their own hands and immediately halting the work, Tattenai and his associates chose a more careful approach by seeking confirmation from the king. Their letter would provide King Darius with the details of the rebuilding efforts, and they would await his decision before taking further action. This verse sets the stage for how God would ultimately protect and advance His people’s work through a legal and political process.
Historical Context
The events of Ezra 5 occur during the reign of King Darius I of Persia, around 520 BC. The Jewish people had been allowed to return to Jerusalem from Babylon to rebuild the temple after a decree by King Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4). However, after starting the project, they faced opposition from neighboring peoples and officials who were suspicious of their intentions. The rebuilding efforts had been delayed, but under the prophetic encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah, the work resumed.
Tattenai, the governor of the Trans-Euphrates region, became aware of the temple construction and wanted to ensure that it was legally authorized. Given the vastness of the Persian Empire, local governors like Tattenai were responsible for maintaining order and ensuring that any major projects were approved by the central government. This letter to Darius is an official inquiry to determine whether the rebuilding of the temple had the king’s blessing.
Theological Implications
Ezra 5:6 teaches us about God’s sovereignty in the affairs of the world. Even though Tattenai and the other officials were acting out of concern for maintaining order, their actions were ultimately part of God’s larger plan to rebuild the temple. The fact that they sought guidance from King Darius instead of stopping the work outright shows how God can use even political and legal systems to advance His purposes.
This verse also highlights the importance of patience and trust in God’s timing. The Jewish people were facing scrutiny, and their future was uncertain while they waited for a response from the king. Yet, God was in control of the process, and His purposes would not be thwarted. It’s a reminder that even when things seem out of our control, God is still working behind the scenes to accomplish His will.
Literary Analysis
Ezra 5:6 serves as a transitional verse, moving the narrative from the actions of the Jewish people and their opponents to the official correspondence between the local officials and the Persian king. The mention of Tattenai, Shethar-Bozenai, and their associates gives the verse a formal tone, emphasizing the seriousness of the inquiry.
The phrase “a copy of the letter” indicates that the original text of the letter will follow in the subsequent verses, making this a setup for the detailed report that Tattenai sent to Darius. The verse also introduces the political and legal context in which the Jewish people were working, underscoring the tension between human authority and God’s divine plan.
Biblical Cross-References
- Ezra 1:1-4 – This passage records King Cyrus’s original decree that allowed the Jewish people to return and rebuild the temple, which is the legal basis for their actions in Ezra 5.
- Daniel 6:4-5 – Similar to Tattenai’s inquiry, Daniel faced scrutiny from government officials who sought to find fault in his obedience to God. In both cases, God’s protection and purpose prevailed.
- Romans 13:1 – This verse reminds us that all authorities are established by God, which speaks to how God can work through political systems to accomplish His will.
- Proverbs 21:1 – “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.” This shows that God directs even the decisions of rulers and officials, just as He guided the events in Ezra.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Ezra 5:6 is a reminder that even in times of uncertainty, we can trust that God is in control. The Jewish people were being questioned about their right to rebuild the temple, and they had to wait for a decision from the Persian king. In our own lives, we may face moments when we are unsure of what will happen next or when we face challenges from authorities or systems beyond our control. This verse encourages us to be patient and trust that God is working behind the scenes, even through circumstances that seem difficult or uncertain.
It also teaches us that God often works through the ordinary systems of this world. While we may expect God to intervene in miraculous ways, He also uses processes like legal systems, government decisions, and official inquiries to carry out His will. Our role is to remain faithful to what God has called us to do and trust Him with the outcome.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Ezra 5:6 shows us God’s loving care for His people. Even though the Jewish people were being scrutinized by government officials, God was watching over them and guiding the situation for their good. His love for His people meant that He would not abandon them in the face of opposition, but would instead work through the process to bring about His purposes.
God’s love is not limited to spiritual matters; it extends to the practical and political realities of life. He cares about the details of our lives, and He is involved in the situations we face, even when they seem outside of our control. His love is steady and reliable, and we can trust that He is always working for our good, even when we face challenges or delays.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Ezra 5:6 connects to Jesus Christ in the way it highlights God’s sovereignty over human affairs. Just as God guided the events in Ezra’s time to protect His people and ensure the rebuilding of the temple, He also guided the events surrounding Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection to accomplish His ultimate plan of salvation.
Throughout Jesus’s ministry, He faced opposition from religious and political authorities, yet God’s plan for redemption was never hindered. Jesus’s obedience to the Father and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross fulfilled God’s purposes in a way that no human authority could stop. In the same way, the Jewish people’s obedience to God’s command to rebuild the temple was protected by God’s sovereignty, even in the face of governmental scrutiny.
Additionally, the temple being rebuilt in Ezra’s time points forward to Jesus as the true temple. Jesus referred to Himself as the temple (John 2:19-21), indicating that He is the ultimate place where humanity can meet with God. Just as the rebuilding of the physical temple was part of God’s plan for His people, Jesus’s death and resurrection were part of God’s greater plan to restore the relationship between God and humanity.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever faced uncertainty or opposition when following what you believe to be God’s will? How did you see God’s hand in the situation?
- How can you learn to trust God’s timing and control in situations where the outcome seems uncertain or beyond your control?
- In what ways have you seen God work through ordinary systems, like government decisions or legal processes, to accomplish His will in your life?
- How does the example of God’s protection over the Jewish people in Ezra encourage you to remain faithful in the face of challenges?
Ezra 5:6 reminds us that God is always at work, even in the midst of human systems and opposition. His plans will not be stopped, and His love for His people ensures that He is always guiding, protecting, and providing a way forward, no matter the challenges we face.