The term "satrap" refers to a provincial governor in the ancient Persian Empire, a position of significant authority and responsibility. The word "satrap" is derived from the Old Persian "khshathrapavan," meaning "protector of the province." In the context of the Bible, satraps are mentioned primarily in the Book of Daniel, which provides insight into the administrative structure of the empires that ruled over the Jewish people during the exilic and post-exilic periods.

Biblical References

The Book of Daniel provides the most detailed biblical account of satraps. In Daniel 3:2-3, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon summons the satraps, along with other high-ranking officials, to the dedication of the golden image he had set up: "Then King Nebuchadnezzar summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the other rulers of the provinces to attend the dedication of the image he had set up. So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the rulers of the provinces assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it" (Daniel 3:2-3).

In Daniel 6:1-2, during the reign of Darius the Mede, the administrative structure of the kingdom is described, highlighting the role of satraps: "Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss" (Daniel 6:1-2). This passage illustrates the hierarchical nature of governance, with satraps serving as regional governors under the oversight of higher officials.

Historical Context

The role of satraps was crucial in maintaining the vast territories of the Persian Empire, which extended from the Indus Valley to the Aegean Sea. Each satrap was responsible for the security, administration, and taxation of their province. They acted as the king's representatives, ensuring loyalty and order within their regions. The satraps were often members of the local nobility or trusted officials appointed by the king, and they wielded considerable power, including command over military forces within their jurisdiction.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the mention of satraps in the Book of Daniel underscores the sovereignty of God over earthly kingdoms and rulers. Despite the power and authority of these officials, the narrative of Daniel emphasizes that God's purposes prevail over human governance. The account of Daniel in the lions' den (Daniel 6) serves as a testament to God's protection and deliverance of His faithful servant, even amidst the political machinations of satraps and other officials.

The presence of satraps in the biblical narrative also highlights the challenges faced by the Jewish people living under foreign rule. The faithful witness of figures like Daniel and his companions serves as an example of maintaining devotion to God while navigating the complexities of life in a pagan empire.

Conclusion

The role of satraps in the biblical narrative provides a window into the political and administrative structures of ancient empires, illustrating the broader context in which the events of the Bible unfolded. Through the accounts in Daniel, believers are reminded of God's ultimate authority and the call to remain faithful amidst worldly powers.SATRAPS

sa'-traps, sat'-raps ('achashdarpenim, Ezra 8:36 Esther 3:12; Esther 8:9; Esther 9:3, the King James Version "lieutenants"; Daniel 3:2, 3, 27; Daniel 6:1;, the King James Version "princes"): The viceroys or vassal rulers to whom was entrusted the government of the provinces in the Persian empire. The word answers to the Old Persian khshathrapavan, "protectors of the realm."

324. achashdarpenin -- satraps
... 323, 324. achashdarpenin. 325 . satraps. Transliteration: achashdarpenin
Phonetic Spelling: (akh-ash-dar-pan') Short Definition: satraps. ...
/hebrew/324.htm - 6k

323. achashdarpan -- satraps
... 322, 323. achashdarpan. 324 . satraps. Transliteration: achashdarpan Phonetic
Spelling: (akh-ash-dar-pan') Short Definition: satraps. ...
/hebrew/323.htm - 5k

part vi.
... And as the Officers and Satraps of Babylon [1664] , seeking an occasion against
Daniel, found none except in the law of his God; so likewise these present ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part vi.htm

On Daniel. Iii. Scholia on Daniel.
... These three youths are become an example to all faithful men, inasmuch as they did
not fear the crowd of satraps, neither did they tremble when they heard the ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel iii scholia on.htm

Preparations for the Invasion of Greece.
... and the contributions of the provinces, and orders, very full and very imperative,
were transmitted, accordingly, to all the governors and satraps of Asia, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter iv preparations for the.htm

The Wall Rebuilt.
... He was persuaded by the satraps that her example would teach all other ladies to
think for themselves, which did not suit these selfish men, who did not care ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xiv the wall rebuilt.htm

The vision of Belshazzar
... OF BELSHAZZAR. The King was on his throne, The Satraps throng'd the hall;
A thousand bright lamps shone O'er that high festival. A ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the vision of belshazzar.htm

The First Trumpet.
... Howl, satraps of provinces, for the region of your strength is laid waste." Whence,
by analogy, it is easily collected, that herbs are to be taken for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the first trumpet.htm

Martyrdom of Our Apostles.
... has been previously told by others: the apostle's arrival in Armenia, the conversion
of Sanadroug and his apostasy for fear of the Armenian satraps, and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/ix martyrdom of our apostles.htm

That He Conquered Nearly the Whole World.
... dwelling on the extreme circumference of the inhabited earth, he received the
submission of all the rulers, [3069] governors, [3070] and satraps of barbarous ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter viii that he conquered nearly.htm

Now Let us Consider Another Saying of Celsus, which is as Follows. ...
... those who fill lower offices of trust or service in the state, would be able to
do great injury to those who despised them; and will the satraps and ministers ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxxv now let us.htm

Egypt
... the hands of the Assyrian. It was divided among twenty satraps, most of whom
were Egyptians by birth. Two years, however, were hardly ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

Satraps (12 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SATRAPS. sa'-traps, sat'-raps ... the realm.".
Multi-Version Concordance Satraps (12 Occurrences). Ezra 8 ...
/s/satraps.htm - 11k

Presidents (5 Occurrences)
... Daniel 6:2 and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one; that these satraps
might give account to them, and that the king should have no damage. ...
/p/presidents.htm - 8k

Deputies (14 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the
deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the ...
/d/deputies.htm - 11k

Commissioners (7 Occurrences)
... Daniel 6:2 and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one; that these satraps
might give account to them, and that the king should have no damage. ...
/c/commissioners.htm - 8k

Counselors (21 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the
deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the ...
/c/counselors.htm - 13k

Governors (43 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:36 They delivered the king's commissions to the king's satraps, and to the
governors beyond the River: and they furthered the people and the house of God ...
/g/governors.htm - 21k

Advisers (22 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the
deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the ...
/a/advisers.htm - 13k

Prefects (18 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the
deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the ...
/p/prefects.htm - 12k

Administrators (7 Occurrences)
... Esther 9:3 All the princes of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and those
who did the king's business helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai ...
/a/administrators.htm - 8k

Provinces (40 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:36 They delivered the king's commissions to the king's satraps, and to the
governors beyond the River: and they furthered the people and the house of God ...
/p/provinces.htm - 21k

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