Ezra 6:6 – “Now then, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and you other officials of that province, stay away from there.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Ezra 6:6 is part of a decree issued by King Darius of Persia regarding the rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. In this verse, Darius directly addresses Tattenai, the governor of the region beyond the Euphrates River, and Shethar-Bozenai, his associate, commanding them to stay away from the construction of the temple. These men had earlier questioned the legitimacy of the rebuilding effort, causing delays by sending an inquiry to the Persian king.
Darius, having found the original decree by King Cyrus that permitted the temple’s reconstruction, now commands that the local officials refrain from interfering with the project. This is a clear directive to stop any opposition and allow the Jews to complete the temple without further obstruction.
Historical Context
The book of Ezra takes place after the Jewish people had been exiled to Babylon. In 586 BC, the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the temple, and many Jews were taken into captivity. Decades later, Babylon fell to the Persians, and King Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple.
However, when they started rebuilding, local leaders—including Tattenai, the governor of the surrounding region—challenged their authority to do so. They sent a letter to Darius, asking whether the Jews had the right to rebuild the temple. Darius ordered a search of the royal archives, and when he found Cyrus’s original decree, he not only affirmed the Jews’ right to rebuild but also ordered the local authorities to stay out of the way and even help with the project.
This verse is part of Darius’s response, in which he makes it clear that the opposition must cease and that the temple project must proceed unimpeded.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores God’s ability to protect His people and His purposes from opposition. The Jewish people faced significant resistance to their efforts to rebuild the temple, but God, working through the king of Persia, ensured that they could complete the work.
It also shows that God is sovereign over all nations and rulers. Even though the Jewish people were under the control of a foreign empire, God was still in charge. He used King Darius to enforce the rebuilding of His temple and to silence those who opposed it. This speaks to God’s ability to work through even the most powerful governments and leaders to accomplish His will.
Literary Analysis
Ezra 6:6 is written in a direct and commanding tone, reflecting the authority of King Darius. The verse is part of an official decree, and its language is clear and forceful. The phrase “stay away from there” is a simple yet powerful instruction, emphasizing the seriousness of the king’s command. Darius does not merely suggest that Tattenai and the other officials stop interfering; he orders them to cease their involvement entirely.
This verse is a turning point in the narrative, as it moves from the opposition and uncertainty about the temple’s reconstruction to the resolution of that opposition by royal decree. The words in this verse are not only the king’s command but also reflect the hand of God working to ensure the success of the rebuilding effort.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 54:17 – “No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.” This passage mirrors the protection God provided to the Jews, ensuring that the opposition against the temple would not succeed.
- Proverbs 21:1 – “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” This verse highlights how God directs the hearts of even the most powerful rulers, as seen with Darius and his support for the temple’s reconstruction.
- Ezra 1:1-4 – These verses record Cyrus’s original decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild the temple, which is reaffirmed by Darius in Ezra 6.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Ezra 6:6 serves as a reminder that God’s plans cannot be stopped by human opposition. Just as the local authorities tried to block the rebuilding of the temple, we may face opposition when trying to live out our faith or accomplish God’s purposes in our lives. But this verse reassures us that God is in control, and He can intervene to remove obstacles in His timing.
It also teaches us to trust that God is working even when we face resistance. The Jewish people experienced delays and challenges, but God was still at work, ensuring that His temple would be rebuilt. Likewise, we can trust that God is working for our good, even when we face difficulties or opposition.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Ezra 6:6 shows God’s love for His people by demonstrating how He protects and provides for them. Despite the opposition the Jews faced, God was faithful to His promise to restore them and their temple. He worked through King Darius to remove the barriers standing in their way, ensuring that they could return to worship Him in the temple.
This is an expression of God’s care for His people. He did not abandon them when they faced resistance; instead, He intervened on their behalf, using a powerful ruler to accomplish His purposes. God’s love is shown in His protection, provision, and determination to see His people succeed in fulfilling His plans.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The rebuilding of the temple in Ezra’s time ultimately points to the greater work that would be accomplished through Jesus Christ. The temple was where the Jewish people went to meet with God, offer sacrifices, and experience His presence. In the New Testament, Jesus declares Himself to be the true temple (John 2:19-21), where people would encounter God and receive forgiveness of sins.
Just as God ensured the rebuilding of the physical temple in Ezra’s time, He provided the way for the ultimate temple—Jesus Christ—to come and fulfill the role of the temple in a far greater way. Jesus is now the place where people can meet with God, receive forgiveness, and experience His presence, and no opposition can stop that.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Ezra 6:6 encourage you when you face opposition or challenges in fulfilling God’s purposes in your life?
- In what ways have you seen God remove obstacles or provide protection in your own journey of faith?
- How does this passage remind you of God’s control over rulers and authorities, even those who may not know Him?
- What can you learn from the persistence of the Jewish people in rebuilding the temple, despite opposition?
- How does the rebuilding of the temple in Ezra’s time help you appreciate the significance of Jesus as the ultimate temple where we meet with God?