Shetharbozenai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Ezra. He is identified as a Persian official during the reign of King Darius I, playing a significant role in the events surrounding the rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

Biblical References:

Shetharbozenai is mentioned in Ezra 5:3 and Ezra 6:6. In these passages, he is depicted as a regional governor or official who, along with Tattenai, the governor of the province beyond the River (Euphrates), questions the Jews about their authority to rebuild the temple. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following account:

· Ezra 5:3 : "At that time Tattenai, governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shetharbozenai, and their associates came to them and asked, 'Who gave you the authority to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?'"

· Ezra 6:6 : "Now then, Tattenai, governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shetharbozenai, and your associates and officials in that region, you must stay away from there."

Historical Context:

The historical context of Shetharbozenai's involvement is set during the period of the Persian Empire's dominance over the Near East. After the decree of Cyrus the Great allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, opposition arose from local officials and inhabitants. Shetharbozenai, alongside Tattenai, is portrayed as part of this opposition, albeit in a more administrative and procedural capacity rather than outright hostility.

Role and Actions:

Shetharbozenai's role was primarily as an overseer or enforcer of Persian imperial policy. His inquiry into the Jews' activities was likely motivated by a need to maintain order and ensure that any construction projects had the proper authorization from the Persian authorities. The correspondence between these officials and King Darius, as recorded in the Book of Ezra, highlights the bureaucratic processes of the Persian Empire and the importance of royal decrees.

Outcome:

The inquiry led by Shetharbozenai and Tattenai resulted in a search of the royal archives, which confirmed the decree of Cyrus allowing the temple's reconstruction. Consequently, King Darius issued a new decree, instructing Shetharbozenai, Tattenai, and their associates to cease their interference and to support the Jewish efforts, even providing resources for the temple's completion (Ezra 6:7-12).

Significance:

Shetharbozenai's involvement in the biblical narrative underscores the complex interactions between the Jewish community and the Persian administration. His actions, while initially appearing as opposition, ultimately facilitated the reaffirmation of the Jewish right to rebuild the temple, demonstrating the providential hand of God in using even foreign officials to accomplish His purposes.

In summary, Shetharbozenai is a minor yet pivotal figure in the post-exilic restoration of the Jewish temple, illustrating the interplay between divine providence and human governance in the biblical narrative.SHETHAR-BOZENAI, SHETHAR-BOZNAI

she'-thar-boz'-e-ni, she'-thar-boz'-ni, -boz'-na-i, (shethar boznay, meaning uncertain): The name of a Persian (?) official mentioned with Tattenai in connection with the correspondence with Darius relative to the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 5:3, 6; Ezra 6:6, 12; Codex Vaticanus Satharbouzan; Codex Alexandrinus Satharbouzanai, in Ezra 5:3; Ezra 6:13; Satharbouzanes, in Ezra 5:6; Satharbouzane, in Ezra 6:6; Lucian, throughout, Tharbouzanaios), called in 1 Esdras 6:3, 7, 27; 7:1 "Shathrabuzanes."

Among the conjectures as to the meaning and derivation of the name, the following may be mentioned:

(1) Shethar-boznai may be a corruption of metharboznay = Mithrobouzanes, Old Persian Mithrobauzana-i.e. "Mithra is deliverer."

(2) shathar is identical with the Old Persian Tsithra ("seed," "brilliance"); names have been found that are confounded with this word.

(3) shethar bowzenay may be a title, but sethar, must then be read for shethar.

(4) shethar boznay is equivalent to the Old Persian Sethrabuzana, "empire-delivering"; compare Encyclopedia Biblica, article "Shethar-boznai," and Brown, Driver, and Briggs, Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament.

Horace J. Wolf

Shetharbozenai (4 Occurrences)
... Old Testament. Horace J. Wolf. Multi-Version Concordance Shetharbozenai (4
Occurrences). Ezra 5:3 At the same time came to them Tattenai ...
/s/shetharbozenai.htm - 9k

Tattenai (4 Occurrences)
... Ezra 5:3 At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River,
and Shetharbozenai, and their companions, and said thus to them, Who gave you a ...
/t/tattenai.htm - 8k

Colleagues (8 Occurrences)
... Ezra 5:3 At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River,
and Shetharbozenai, and their companions, and said thus to them, Who gave you a ...
/c/colleagues.htm - 8k

Associates (26 Occurrences)
... Ezra 5:3 At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River,
and Shetharbozenai, and their companions, and said thus to them, Who gave you a ...
/a/associates.htm - 14k

Shethar (3 Occurrences)
... Ezra 5:3 At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River,
and Shetharbozenai, and their companions, and said thus to them, Who gave you a ...
/s/shethar.htm - 8k

Trans-euphrates (12 Occurrences)
... Ezra 5:3 At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River,
and Shetharbozenai, and their companions, and said thus to them, Who gave you a ...
/t/trans-euphrates.htm - 9k

Companions (58 Occurrences)
... Ezra 5:3 At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River,
and Shetharbozenai, and their companions, and said thus to them, Who gave you a ...
/c/companions.htm - 23k

Bozenai (2 Occurrences)
... Ezra 5:3 At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River,
and Shetharbozenai, and their companions, and said thus to them, Who gave you a ...
/b/bozenai.htm - 7k

Apharsachites (2 Occurrences)
... Ezra 5:6 The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and
Shetharbozenai, and his companions the Apharsachites, who were beyond the ...
/a/apharsachites.htm - 8k

Province (66 Occurrences)
... Ezra 5:3 At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River,
and Shetharbozenai, and their companions, and said thus to them, Who gave you a ...
/p/province.htm - 38k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus