Tattenai was a Persian governor of the province "Beyond the River," which included the region of Judea during the time of the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. His role is documented in the Book of Ezra, where he is depicted as an official who questioned the Jews' authority to rebuild the temple after the Babylonian exile.

Biblical Account:

In the Book of Ezra, Tattenai is introduced as a governor who, along with his associates, approached the Jewish leaders to inquire about the reconstruction of the temple. Ezra 5:3-4 states, "At that time Tattenai, the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, and Shethar-bozenai and their associates came to them and asked, 'Who gave you the authority to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?' They also asked, 'What are the names of the men who are constructing this building?'"

Tattenai's inquiry was not necessarily hostile but rather a fulfillment of his administrative duties to ensure that the construction was authorized by the Persian king. The Jewish leaders responded by explaining that they were rebuilding the temple under the decree of Cyrus, king of Persia, who had originally authorized the reconstruction.

Response to Tattenai's Inquiry:

Following the inquiry, Tattenai wrote a letter to King Darius to report the situation and seek confirmation of the Jews' claims. Ezra 5:6-7 records, "This is the text of the letter that Tattenai, the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, and Shethar-bozenai and their associates—the officials of that region—sent to King Darius. The report they sent him read as follows: To King Darius: All peace."

In the letter, Tattenai accurately relayed the Jews' explanation and requested that a search be made in the royal archives to verify the decree of Cyrus. This demonstrates Tattenai's adherence to due process and his respect for the legal framework of the Persian Empire.

King Darius' Decree:

King Darius responded favorably to the Jews' cause after confirming the decree of Cyrus. He issued a new decree that not only allowed the construction to continue but also provided resources for the project. Ezra 6:6-7 records Darius' instructions to Tattenai: "Now then, Tattenai, governor of the region west of the Euphrates, and Shethar-bozenai and your associates and officials of that region, you must stay away from that place. 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."

Significance:

Tattenai's involvement in the rebuilding of the temple highlights the complex interactions between the Jewish community and the Persian authorities during this period. His actions, while initially questioning, ultimately facilitated the continuation of the temple's reconstruction by bringing the matter to the attention of King Darius, who reaffirmed the Jews' right to rebuild.

Tattenai's account serves as an example of the providential hand of God working through foreign rulers and officials to accomplish His purposes for His people. His respectful and lawful approach to governance reflects the administrative practices of the Persian Empire, which allowed a degree of autonomy and religious freedom to its subjects, as long as they remained loyal to the empire.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 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)

Tat'tenai (4 Occurrences)
Tat'tenai. Tattenai, Tat'tenai. Tattler . Multi-Version Concordance
Tat'tenai (4 Occurrences). Ezra 5:3 At the same time came to ...
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Tattenai (4 Occurrences)

/t/tattenai.htm - 8k

Tattler

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