Mith'redath is a name found in the Old Testament, associated with two distinct individuals who played roles during the period of the Jewish exile and the subsequent return to Jerusalem. The name Mith'redath is of Persian origin, meaning "given by Mithra," with Mithra being a deity in the ancient Persian pantheon.

1. Mith'redath the Treasurer: Mith'redath is first mentioned in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon under the decree of King Cyrus of Persia. In Ezra 1:8, Mith'redath is identified as the treasurer who was responsible for the delivery of the temple articles that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Jerusalem. The verse states: "Cyrus king of Persia had them brought by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah" . This role was significant as it involved the restoration of sacred items to the Jewish people, symbolizing the beginning of the restoration of worship in Jerusalem.

2. Mith'redath the Opponent: Another individual named Mith'redath is mentioned in Ezra 4:7, where he is listed among those who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem. This Mith'redath is described as a co-author of a letter to King Artaxerxes, expressing concern over the reconstruction efforts. The verse reads: "And in the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. The letter was written in Aramaic and translated" . This opposition highlights the political and social challenges faced by the returning exiles as they sought to reestablish their community and religious practices.

The presence of individuals named Mith'redath in these accounts reflects the influence of Persian administration and culture during the period of the Jewish exile and return. The dual roles of Mith'redath—as both a facilitator of the return and an opponent of the rebuilding—illustrate the complex interactions between the Jewish exiles and the Persian authorities. These narratives underscore the providential hand of God in the restoration of His people, despite opposition and challenges.Mith'redath (2 Occurrences)

Ezra 1:8
even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.
(See RSV)

Ezra 4:7
And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Aramaic character, and set forth in the Aramaic tongue.
(See RSV)

Mith'redath (2 Occurrences)
Mith'redath. Mithredath, Mith'redath. Mitre . Multi-Version Concordance
Mith'redath (2 Occurrences). Ezra 1:8 even those did Cyrus ...
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Mithredath (2 Occurrences)

/m/mithredath.htm - 8k

Mitre (10 Occurrences)

/m/mitre.htm - 12k

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