Definition and Geographic Context:
Trans-Euphrates, also known as "Beyond the River," refers to the region west of the Euphrates River. This term is used in the Bible to describe the area that includes parts of modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. The Euphrates River served as a significant geographical boundary in the ancient Near East, and the term "Trans-Euphrates" was used by the Persian Empire to denote the western provinces of their vast territory.

Biblical References:
The term "Trans-Euphrates" appears primarily in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which detail the period of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile and the subsequent rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem.

1. Ezra 4:10-11 :
"And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar deported and settled in the cities of Samaria, and the rest of the Trans-Euphrates. This is the copy of the letter they sent to him: To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men of Trans-Euphrates."

In this passage, the inhabitants of the Trans-Euphrates region write to King Artaxerxes of Persia, expressing their opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The letter reflects the political tensions and resistance faced by the returning exiles.

2. Ezra 5:3 :
"At that time Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-bozenai and their associates came to them and asked, 'Who gave you the authority to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?'"

Here, Tattenai, the governor of the region, questions the authority of the Jewish leaders to rebuild the temple, highlighting the administrative oversight and control exercised by Persian officials over the area.

3. Nehemiah 2:7-9 :
"I also said to the king, 'If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will grant me safe passage until I arrive in Judah? And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the house I will occupy?' And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests. So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me."

Nehemiah's request for letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates underscores the importance of securing official permission and protection for his mission to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. The passage illustrates the cooperation between Nehemiah and the Persian authorities, facilitated by divine favor.

Historical and Political Significance:
During the Persian period, Trans-Euphrates was a strategically important region, serving as a buffer zone between the Persian heartland and the Mediterranean. The Persian administration divided their empire into satrapies, or provinces, with Trans-Euphrates being one of them. The governors of this region were responsible for maintaining order, collecting taxes, and ensuring loyalty to the Persian king.

The biblical accounts of Trans-Euphrates reflect the complex interactions between the Jewish exiles and the local populations, as well as the broader geopolitical dynamics of the time. The rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem were often met with opposition from neighboring peoples, who viewed the restoration of the Jewish community as a potential threat to their own interests.

Theological Implications:
The references to Trans-Euphrates in the Bible highlight God's providential care and sovereignty over historical events. Despite the challenges and opposition faced by the Jewish exiles, the successful rebuilding of the temple and the walls of Jerusalem demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The cooperation of Persian authorities, as seen in the support given to Ezra and Nehemiah, can be viewed as part of God's plan to restore His people and their worship in Jerusalem.Trans-euphrates (12 Occurrences)

Ezra 4:11
This is the copy of the letter that they sent to Artaxerxes the king: Your servants the men beyond the River, and so forth.
(See NIV)

Ezra 4:16
We inform the king that, if this city be built, and the walls finished, by this means you shall have no portion beyond the River.
(See NIV)

Ezra 4:17
Then sent the king an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River: Peace, and so forth.
(See NIV)

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 decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?
(See NIV)

Ezra 6:6
Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, you must stay far from there.
(See NIV)

Ezra 6:8
Moreover I make a decree what you shall do to these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses be given with all diligence to these men, that they be not hindered.
(See NIV)

Ezra 6:13
Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions, because that Darius the king had sent, did accordingly with all diligence.
(See NIV)

Ezra 7:25
And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God that is in thy hand, appoint magistrates and judges, who may judge all the people that are beyond the River, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye him that knoweth them not.
(See NIV)

Ezra 8:36
And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's satraps, and to the governors beyond the River; and they furthered the people and the house of God.
(See NIV)

Nehemiah 2:7
Moreover I said to the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah;
(See NIV)

Nehemiah 2:9
Then I came to the governors beyond the River, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent with me captains of the army and horsemen.
(See NIV)

Nehemiah 3:7
Next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, that appertained to the throne of the governor beyond the River.
(See NIV)

Trans-euphrates (12 Occurrences)
Trans-euphrates. Transcribed, Trans-euphrates. Transfer .
Multi-Version Concordance Trans-euphrates (12 Occurrences). ...
/t/trans-euphrates.htm - 9k

Transfer (6 Occurrences)

/t/transfer.htm - 9k

Transcribed (1 Occurrence)

/t/transcribed.htm - 6k

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