Book of Ezra - Chapter 6 - Verse 13

In this verse from the Book of Ezra, Tatnai, the governor on the near side of the Euphrates River, along with Shethar-Bozenai and their companions, acted promptly and efficiently in carrying out the orders of King Darius. This verse highlights the obedience and diligence of Tatnai and his associates in fulfilling the instructions given to them by the king. It shows their respect for authority and their commitment to following through with the tasks assigned to them. By acting "speedily," they demonstrated their willingness to carry out the king's commands without delay or hesitation. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and prompt action in fulfilling our responsibilities and obligations, whether they come from earthly authorities or from God Himself. It teaches us the value of being diligent and efficient in all that we do, honoring those in positions of leadership and authority over us.

The verse "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." from the book of Ezra (Ezra 6:13) can be interpreted theologically in various ways. One possible interpretation is that it demonstrates the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events according to His plan. Despite the opposition that the Jewish people faced, ultimately, God's will prevailed, and even the officials sent by King Darius ended up helping to speedily carry out the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. This can be seen as a reminder that God is in control of all circumstances, and His purposes will always ultimately come to pass.

In terms of word studies, the names mentioned in the verse, Tatnai and Shetharboznai, can provide additional context for understanding the historical and cultural background of the passage. Tatnai was the governor of the province "Beyond the River," which likely refers to the region west of the Euphrates River. Shetharboznai, along with his companions, was also a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire. These details help paint a picture of the setting in which the events of the book of Ezra took place, showing the significant political powers that were involved in the rebuilding of the temple.