She'thar-boz'enai 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, playing a significant role in the events surrounding the rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to She'thar-boz'enai is found in Ezra 5:3 and 5:6. In these passages, he is mentioned alongside Tattenai, the governor of the region beyond the River (Euphrates), as they question the Jews who were rebuilding the temple. The text reads:

Ezra 5:3 : "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 : "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."

Historical Context:

She'thar-boz'enai's involvement occurs during the period when the Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem under the decree of Cyrus the Great, who allowed them to rebuild the temple. However, the work faced opposition and delays due to local adversaries and political complexities. The inquiry by She'thar-boz'enai and Tattenai was part of the administrative oversight typical of the Persian Empire, ensuring that any significant construction projects had the necessary royal authorization.

Role and Actions:

She'thar-boz'enai, as a Persian official, was responsible for maintaining order and ensuring compliance with imperial decrees in the region. His actions, along with those of Tattenai, reflect the bureaucratic processes of the Persian administration. They sent a letter to King Darius to verify the legitimacy of the Jewish claims to rebuild the temple, demonstrating a level of due diligence and adherence to protocol.

Significance:

The mention of She'thar-boz'enai highlights the complex interactions between the Jewish community and the Persian authorities during the post-exilic period. His role underscores the challenges faced by the returning exiles in re-establishing their religious and cultural identity amidst foreign rule. The eventual support from King Darius, following the inquiry, allowed the temple reconstruction to continue, signifying a pivotal moment in Jewish history.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the account of She'thar-boz'enai serves as a reminder of God's providence and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people. Despite opposition and bureaucratic hurdles, the divine plan for the restoration of the temple and the re-establishment of worship in Jerusalem was ultimately accomplished. This narrative reinforces the theme of God's sovereignty over nations and rulers, as seen throughout the biblical text.

In summary, She'thar-boz'enai is a minor yet significant figure in the biblical narrative, representing the intersection of divine purpose and human governance during a critical period in Israel's history. His actions, as recorded in the Book of Ezra, contribute to the broader account of restoration and renewal for the Jewish people.She'thar-boz'enai (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 you a decree to build this house, and to finish this structure?'
(See RSV)

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 River, sent unto Darius the king;
(See RSV)

Ezra 6:6
Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your companions the Apharesachites, who are beyond the River, be ye far from thence;
(See RSV)

Ezra 6:13
Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, because that Darius the king had thus sent, acted with all diligence.
(See RSV)

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). ...
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Shetharboznai (4 Occurrences)

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Shethar-bozenai (4 Occurrences)
Shethar-bozenai. Shetharbozenai, Shethar-bozenai. She'thar-boz'enai . Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHETHAR-BOZENAI, SHETHAR-BOZNAI. ...
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