Topical Encyclopedia Sisinnes is a 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. His involvement is recorded in the context of the opposition faced by the Jewish exiles who had returned from Babylon to rebuild the temple.Biblical Reference: Sisinnes is mentioned in Ezra 5:6 and Ezra 6:6-7. In the Berean Standard Bible, these passages provide insight into his role and actions: Ezra 5:6 : "This is the copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates—the officials of that region—sent to King Darius." Ezra 6:6-7 : "Now then, Tattenai, governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and you other officials of that region, stay away from there. Leave the work on this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its original site." Historical Context: Sisinnes, referred to as "Shethar-bozenai" in the Berean Standard Bible, was one of the officials under the Persian administration. His role was significant during the period when the Jewish people, under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, were attempting to rebuild the temple that had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The Persian Empire, which had conquered Babylon, allowed the exiles to return and rebuild their temple, but local opposition and bureaucratic challenges often hindered their efforts. Role and Actions: Sisinnes, along with Tattenai, the governor of the region beyond the River (Euphrates), questioned the authority of the Jews to rebuild the temple. They sent a letter to King Darius to inquire whether the Jews had permission to undertake this construction. This action reflects the administrative procedures of the Persian Empire, which required proper authorization for significant building projects. King Darius responded by confirming the decree of Cyrus, which had originally allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the temple. He instructed Sisinnes and his associates to cease their interference and to allow the work to continue. This decree not only affirmed the Jewish right to rebuild but also provided them with protection and resources from the Persian treasury. Significance: Sisinnes' involvement highlights the complex interactions between the Jewish community and the Persian authorities during the post-exilic period. His actions, though initially obstructive, ultimately led to a royal decree that facilitated the completion of the temple. This event underscores the providential hand of God in using even foreign officials to accomplish His purposes for His people. The account of Sisinnes serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Jewish exiles and the faithfulness of God in ensuring the restoration of worship in Jerusalem. It also illustrates the importance of divine sovereignty over earthly powers, as God moved the heart of a pagan king to support the rebuilding of His house. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SISINNESsi-sin'-ez (Sisinnes): "The eparch (governor) of Syria and Phoenicia" under Darius Hystaspis (1 Esdras 6:3, 7, 27; 7:1) circa 520 B.C. = "Tattenai the governor beyond the river" in Ezra 5:3, 6; Ezra 6:6, 13. He took a prominent part in the efforts to prevent the rebuilding of the temple. Library How the Temple was Built While the Cutheans Endeavored in Vain to ... How Cyrus, King of the Persians, Delivered the Jews Out Of Book 11 Footnotes Thesaurus Sisinnes... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SISINNES. si-sin'-ez (Sisinnes): "The eparch (governor) of Syria and Phoenicia" under Darius Hystaspis ... /s/sisinnes.htm - 6k Tattenai (4 Occurrences) Sisera's (2 Occurrences) Sismai (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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