Shetharboznai
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Shetharboznai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Ezra. He is identified as an official who opposed the rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem during the reign of King Darius of Persia. His role is significant in the context of the post-exilic period, a time when the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian captivity and seeking to restore their religious and cultural practices.

Biblical References:

Shetharboznai is mentioned in Ezra 5:3 and 5:6, as well as in 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, questioned the authority of the Jews 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, Shetharboznai, and their associates came to them and asked, 'Who gave you the authority to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?'"

· Ezra 5:6 : "This is the copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shetharboznai, and their associates—the officials of that region—sent to King Darius."

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

Historical and Cultural Context:

The opposition from Shetharboznai and his associates reflects the broader political and social challenges faced by the Jewish community during the Second Temple period. The Persian Empire, under which the Jews were living, had a complex administrative structure with various officials overseeing different regions. The inquiry by Shetharboznai and Tattenai was likely motivated by a desire to maintain control and ensure that any construction projects were sanctioned by the central authority of the empire.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the account of Shetharboznai's opposition highlights the theme of divine providence and protection over the Jewish people. Despite the challenges and opposition they faced, the Jews were ultimately able to continue their work on the temple, as King Darius issued a decree supporting their efforts. This narrative underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.

Role in the Narrative:

Shetharboznai's role in the narrative serves as a foil to the faith and determination of the Jewish leaders, such as Zerubbabel and Jeshua, who were committed to the restoration of the temple. The resolution of the conflict, with the support of King Darius, demonstrates the triumph of God's will over human opposition.

In summary, Shetharboznai is a minor yet pivotal character in the Book of Ezra, representing the external challenges faced by the Jewish community during a critical period of their history. His interactions with the Jewish leaders and the subsequent royal decree affirm the overarching biblical theme of God's guidance and provision for His people.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Shetharboznai

(Pers. star of splendor), a Persian officer of rank in the reign of Darius Hystaspes. (Ezra 5:3,6; 6:6,13) (B.C. 320.)

ATS Bible Dictionary
Shetharboznai

See TATNAI.

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Star of splendour, a Persian officer who vainly attempted to hinder the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 5:3, 6; 6:6, 13).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
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

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

Tatnai (4 Occurrences)
... Ezra 5:3 At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river,
and Shetharboznai and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath ...
/t/tatnai.htm - 8k

Shethar-boznai (4 Occurrences)
Shethar-boznai. Shetharboznai, Shethar-boznai. Sheva . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(DBY WBS YLT). Shetharboznai, Shethar-boznai. Sheva . Reference Bible.
/s/shethar-boznai.htm - 9k

She'thar-boz'enai (4 Occurrences)
She'thar-boz'enai. Shethar-bozenai, She'thar-boz'enai. Shetharboznai . ... (See
RSV). Shethar-bozenai, She'thar-boz'enai. Shetharboznai . Reference Bible.
/s/she'thar-boz'enai.htm - 7k

Speedily (38 Occurrences)
... Ezra 6:13 Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their
companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did ...
/s/speedily.htm - 18k

Hence (47 Occurrences)
... Ezra 6:6 Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your
companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from ...
/h/hence.htm - 20k

Resources
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Concordance
Shetharboznai (4 Occurrences)

Ezra 5:3
At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?
(KJV)

Ezra 5:6
The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:
(KJV)

Ezra 6:6
Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:
(KJV)

Ezra 6:13
Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.
(KJV)

Subtopics

Shetharboznai

Related Terms

Shethar-boznai (4 Occurrences)

Tatnai (4 Occurrences)

Shethar-bozenai (4 Occurrences)

Shetharbozenai (4 Occurrences)

Sheva (2 Occurrences)

She'thar-boz'enai (4 Occurrences)

Speedily (38 Occurrences)

Diligently (85 Occurrences)

Hence (47 Occurrences)

She'thar-boz'enai
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