Bozenai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Ezra. He is identified as a Persian official during the reign of King Darius I, who played a role in the events surrounding the rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

Biblical Reference:

Bozenai is mentioned in Ezra 5:3 and 5:6. The context of these passages involves the opposition faced by the Jewish exiles who had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. The local officials, including Bozenai, questioned the authority by which the Jews were undertaking this reconstruction project.

Ezra 5:3 states: "At that time Tattenai, governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates came to them and asked, 'Who gave you the authority to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?'"

Ezra 5:6 further records: "This is the copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates—the officials of that region—sent to King Darius."

Role and Significance:

Bozenai, referred to as Shethar-bozenai in the text, was a subordinate to Tattenai, the governor of the region beyond the River (Euphrates). His role was significant in the administrative oversight of the Persian Empire's western territories. The inquiry made by Bozenai and his associates was part of the bureaucratic process to ensure that the rebuilding efforts were sanctioned by the Persian authorities.

The letter sent by Tattenai, Shethar-bozenai, and their colleagues to King Darius was a formal request to verify the legitimacy of the Jewish efforts to rebuild the temple. This action reflects the administrative diligence of Persian officials and their adherence to the legal and political protocols of the time.

Historical and Theological Context:

The involvement of Bozenai and other Persian officials highlights the complex relationship between the Jewish exiles and the Persian Empire. While the Persian kings, such as Cyrus and Darius, were generally supportive of the Jewish return and reconstruction efforts, local officials like Bozenai were responsible for maintaining order and ensuring compliance with imperial decrees.

From a theological perspective, the account of Bozenai's involvement underscores the providence of God in the affairs of nations. Despite the challenges and opposition faced by the Jewish people, the divine plan for the restoration of the temple and the re-establishment of worship in Jerusalem was ultimately fulfilled. The narrative demonstrates how God can use even foreign officials to accomplish His purposes and protect His people.

Conclusion:

Bozenai's mention in the Book of Ezra serves as a reminder of the historical realities faced by the Jewish community during the post-exilic period. His role as a Persian official illustrates the broader geopolitical dynamics at play and the divine orchestration behind the successful rebuilding of the temple.8370. Shethar Bozenay -- a Pers. official
... Shethar Bozenay. 8371 . a Pers. official. Transliteration: Shethar Bozenay Phonetic
Spelling: (sheth-ar' bo-zen-ah'-ee) Short Definition: Shethar-bozenai. ...
/hebrew/8370.htm - 6kShethar-bozenai (4 Occurrences)
Shethar-bozenai. Shetharbozenai, Shethar-bozenai. She'thar-boz'enai . Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHETHAR-BOZENAI, SHETHAR-BOZNAI. ...
/s/shethar-bozenai.htm - 9k

Bozenai (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bozenai (2 Occurrences). Ezra 5:3 At the same
time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River ...
/b/bozenai.htm - 7k

She'thar-boz'enai (4 Occurrences)
She'thar-boz'enai. Shethar-bozenai, She'thar-boz'enai. Shetharboznai .
Multi-Version Concordance She'thar-boz'enai (4 Occurrences). ...
/s/she'thar-boz'enai.htm - 7k

Tat'tenai (4 Occurrences)
... Ezra 5:3 At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River,
and Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, and said thus unto them: 'Who gave ...
/t/tat'tenai.htm - 7k

Shetharbozenai (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHETHAR-BOZENAI, SHETHAR-BOZNAI.
she'-thar-boz'-e-ni, she'-thar-boz'-ni, -boz'-na-i, (shethar boznay ...
/s/shetharbozenai.htm - 9k

Apharesachites (2 Occurrences)
... Ezra 5:6 The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and
Shethar-bozenai, and his companions the Apharsachites, who were beyond the ...
/a/apharesachites.htm - 7k

Governors (43 Occurrences)
... Ezra 5:6 The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and
Shethar-bozenai, and his companions the Apharesachites, who were beyond the ...
/g/governors.htm - 21k

Bozez (1 Occurrence)

/b/bozez.htm - 7k

Bozcath (1 Occurrence)

/b/bozcath.htm - 6k

Shetharboznai (4 Occurrences)
... temple (Ezra 5:3, 6; 6:6, 13). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
SHETHAR-BOZENAI, SHETHAR-BOZNAI. she'-thar-boz'-e-ni, she'-thar-boz ...
/s/shetharboznai.htm - 9k

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