Tatnai, also spelled Tattenai, was a Persian official who served as the governor of the region "beyond the River," referring to the area west of the Euphrates, which included Samaria and Judea, during the reign of King Darius I of Persia. His role is primarily documented in the Book of Ezra, where he is depicted as a significant figure in the events surrounding the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

Biblical Account

Tatnai's involvement is recorded in Ezra 5 and 6. When the Jewish exiles returned from Babylon and began rebuilding the Temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, Tatnai, along with Shethar-Bozenai and their associates, questioned the authority by which the Jews were undertaking this construction. Concerned about the potential for rebellion, they wrote a letter to King Darius to verify the legitimacy of the Jews' claim that they had been authorized by King Cyrus to rebuild the Temple.

Ezra 5:3-5 states: "At that time Tattenai, the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, 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?' But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until a report could go to Darius and his written instructions were received."

Tatnai's actions were not necessarily antagonistic; rather, they reflected his duty to maintain order and report any activities that might affect the stability of the Persian Empire. His inquiry led to a search of the royal archives, where the decree of Cyrus was found, confirming the Jews' right to rebuild the Temple.

Darius' Response

King Darius responded favorably to the Jews' cause. He issued a decree that not only confirmed the original edict of Cyrus but also commanded Tatnai and his associates to cease hindering the work. Furthermore, Darius ordered that the expenses for the construction be paid from the royal treasury and that the builders be provided with whatever they needed.

Ezra 6:6-7 records Darius' decree: "Now then, Tattenai, governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-Bozenai, and your associates and officials in 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."

Historical and Theological Significance

Tatnai's role in the biblical narrative highlights the providence of God in the affairs of His people. Despite the potential for opposition, the rebuilding of the Temple proceeded under divine protection and imperial sanction. Tatnai's actions inadvertently facilitated the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, demonstrating how God can use even foreign authorities to accomplish His purposes.

From a historical perspective, Tatnai's account provides insight into the administrative structure of the Persian Empire and its interactions with subject peoples. His correspondence with Darius exemplifies the bureaucratic processes of the time and the importance of royal decrees in maintaining order across the vast empire.

Tatnai's account serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over earthly rulers and the unfolding of His divine plan through history, as seen in the successful completion of the Second Temple, a pivotal event in Jewish history and worship.Ezra 5:3,6
At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai and their companions, and said thus to them, Who has commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?
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Ezra 6:6,13
Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be you far from there:
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