What is the meaning of Ezra 5:6? This is the text of the letter • Ezra presents an exact transcript, underscoring the historical accuracy Scripture intends us to trust. • Like Luke, who wrote “to write an orderly account” (Luke 1:3), Ezra records events so readers can verify God’s work in real time and space. • Jeremiah likewise preserved official correspondence: “This is the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent…” (Jeremiah 29:1). God’s word repeatedly anchors faith in documented facts, not imagination. Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates • Tattenai is a Persian-appointed official over the vast territory beyond the River. His title reminds us that God’s people often serve Him under foreign oversight. • Yet “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). God can steer even Tattenai’s intentions for His purposes (see Ezra 6:6–12, where Darius will later order Tattenai to assist the temple work). • The mention of his office assures exiles that earthly power structures are known and managed by the Sovereign Lord. Shethar-bozenai, and their associates • Naming Shethar-bozenai and unnamed colleagues shows this was not a lone complaint but a coordinated inquiry. • Earlier, other officials had tried to halt the building (Ezra 4:7). The pattern of opposition highlights Psalm 2:2: “The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD.” • Still, God turns opposition into an opportunity to vindicate His people publicly. the officials in the region • The phrase broadens the participants: every local authority signed on, giving the letter legal weight. • Romans 13:1 teaches that “there is no authority except from God,” reminding readers that even hostile bureaucracies operate under divine permission. • Daniel 6:1–3 shows a similar layered government in Persia, yet God advanced Daniel; likewise He will safeguard the Jewish builders. sent to King Darius • The letter’s destination matters: Darius I had recently affirmed previous decrees (Haggai 1:1 dates to his reign). • Isaiah 44:28 foretold God saying of Persian kings, “He will accomplish all that I please.” As with Cyrus, God now moves Darius to support His house. • By recording the dispatch, Ezra builds anticipation that the same sovereign Lord who stirred Cyrus (Ezra 1:1) will move Darius to favor the temple. summary Ezra 5:6 records an official, multi-signature letter to King Darius about the Jerusalem temple project. Every clause stresses historical precision, the reality of governmental scrutiny, and—above all—God’s control over pagan authorities. What looks like potential obstruction will soon become divine validation, proving yet again that no earthly power can thwart the Lord’s plans for His people. |
    |