Lexical Summary tirshatha: Governor Original Word: תִּרְשָׁתָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Tirshatha Of foreign derivation; the title of a Persian deputy or governor -- Tirshatha. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition (a Pers. title) governor NASB Translation governor (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs תִּרְשָׁתָא noun masculine Tirshathâ, title of Persian governor in Judaea, according to MeyEntstehung d. Jud. 194 and others = His Excellency (read Tarshathâ) otherwise LagSymm. i. 60 (compare Arm. Stud. §§ 280, 1680). — As Meyl.c., Scheft93f. (tarsvta, the feared, revered) MossHast. DB TIRSHATHA CheEncy. Bib. ID.; — ׳הַתּ Ezra 2:63 = Nehemiah 7:65,69 (Baer Gi; Nehemiah 7:70 van d. H.); of Nehemiah Nehemiah 8:9; Nehemiah 10:1. Topical Lexicon Designation and Identity “Tirshatha” is the Persian-era honorific for the civil governor of Judah. The title is applied in Scripture to two principal leaders of the post-exilic community: Zerubbabel in the first return (Ezra 2) and Nehemiah in the later rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 7–10). Although their personal names differ, the shared title underscores the continuity of divinely sanctioned governance throughout the restoration era. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Ezra 2:63 – Zerubbabel, as the first Tirshatha, postpones priestly privileges pending divine confirmation: “The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy food until a priest could consult the Urim and Thummim.” Historical Setting The Persian policy of allowing subject peoples limited self-rule under loyal governors created the context for the return from exile. The Tirshatha answered directly to the Persian monarch, yet, within Judah, exercised broad administrative authority over taxation, defense, and public works. Scripture presents both Zerubbabel and Nehemiah as godly statesmen who balanced secular duty with covenant fidelity. Functions of the Tirshatha • Gatekeeper of holiness (Ezra 2:63; Nehemiah 7:65): By withholding sacred food from uncertain priests, the governor protected temple sanctity and demonstrated submission to divine revelation over expediency. Contributions to the Restoration Work Zerubbabel laid the foundation of the second temple, re-establishing worship. Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls, securing the city for ongoing religious life. Together their administrations span roughly a century of post-exilic history, bridging initial return, temple completion, and societal consolidation. The title “Tirshatha” thus becomes shorthand for God’s providential governance during a fragile national rebirth. Spiritual Leadership Unlike purely political appointees, both governors subordinated personal authority to the Mosaic Law. Nehemiah’s refusal to exact the governor’s food allowance (Nehemiah 5:14-18) and his nightly inspection of the broken walls (Nehemiah 2:12-16) reveal servant leadership motivated by zeal for God’s name. Zerubbabel’s obedience to prophetic encouragement (Haggai 1:12-15) exemplifies the same pattern. The office therefore integrates civil order with covenant faithfulness. Prophetic and Typological Notes Haggai 2:23 foretells the exaltation of Zerubbabel “as a signet ring,” foreshadowing the ultimate Messianic ruler descended from David (Matthew 1:12-13). Nehemiah’s work of building a secure, worship-centered community prefigures Christ’s promise, “I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18). Thus the Tirshatha stands as an anticipatory figure, pointing to the greater Governor who unites kingly authority with priestly mediation. Practical Lessons 1. Holiness is safeguarded when civil leaders honor divine revelation above political convenience. From exile to restoration, the Tirshatha exemplifies God’s use of faithful governors to shepherd His people, maintain purity, and advance redemptive purpose until the fullness of the kingdom comes. Forms and Transliterations הַתִּרְשָׁ֙תָא֙ הַתִּרְשָׁ֛תָא הַתִּרְשָׁ֜תָא הַתִּרְשָׁ֡תָא התרשתא hat·tir·šā·ṯā hattiršāṯā hattirShataLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 2:63 HEB: וַיֹּ֤אמֶר הַתִּרְשָׁ֙תָא֙ לָהֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר NAS: The governor said KJV: And the Tirshatha said INT: said the governor after should not Nehemiah 7:65 Nehemiah 7:70 Nehemiah 8:9 Nehemiah 10:1 5 Occurrences |
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