Ezra 6:6 · Bible study
Ezra 6:6 Commentary: God's Sovereign Decree Over Persian Authorities
Hebrew · 7 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Darius commands Tattenai to 'stay far from there' - a demonstration of God's control over rulers to protect the temple rebuilding.
Research Summary
- Meaning: King Darius directly commands the Persian governor Tattenai to cease interference with the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple, affirming and expanding the earlier decree of Cyrus.
- Key words: rachiqin (far), havo (be! imperative), min tamah (from there), the Aramaic imperatives.
- Main debate: None significant. Commentators uniformly read this as a clear prohibition, though the exact identity of the “Apharsachites” remains uncertain.
- Theological theme: God’s sovereignty over earthly rulers to protect His purposes and provide for His people’s worship.
- Best use: A model of how God works through political documents and authorities to fulfill His promises; encourages believers to trust Him in matters of permission and opposition.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
Therefore Darius decreed: To Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region: You must stay away from that place!
WEB World English Bible 2000
Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, you must stay far from there.
KJV King James Version 1769
Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar–boznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:
ASV American Standard Version 1901
Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, be ye far from thence:
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
`Now, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-Boznai, and their companions, the Apharsachites, who are beyond the river, be ye far from hence;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
Therefore Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
Now therefore Thathanai, governor of the country beyond the river, Stharbuzanai, and your counsellors the Apharsachites, who are beyond the river, depart far from them,
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Ahora pues, Tatnai, jefe del lado allá del río, Sethar-boznai, y sus compañeros los Apharsachêos que estáis á la otra parte del río, apartaos de ahí.
Agora, pois , Tatenai, chefe dalém rio, Setar-Bozenai, e seus companheiros os afarsaquitas que estais além do rio, afastai-vos dali.
Maintenant, Thathnaï, gouverneur de l’autre côté du fleuve, Schethar-Boznaï, et vos collègues d’Apharsac, qui demeurez de l’autre côté du fleuve, tenez-vous loin de ce lieu.
So haltet euch nun fern von ihnen, du, Thathnai, Landpfleger jenseits des Wassers, und Sethar- Bosnai und ihr andern des Rats, ihr von Apharsach, die ihr jenseits des Wassers seid.
Nu, gij Thathnai, landvoogd aan gene zijde der rivier, gij Sthar-Boznai, met ulieder gezelschap, gij Afarsechaieten, die aan gene zijde der rivier zijt, weest verre van daar!
“Or dunque tu, Tattenai, governatore d’oltre il fiume, tu, Scethar-Boznai, e voi, loro colleghi d’Afarsak, che state di là dal fiume, statevene lontani da quel luogo!
Przetoż teraz Tattenaju, starosto za rzeką! z Setarbozenaimem, i z towarzyszami twymi, i Afarsechajczycy, którzyście za rzeką, ustąpcie stamtąd.
Итак, Фафнай, заречный областеначальник, и Шефар-Бознай, с товарищами вашими Афарсахеями, которые за рекою, — удалитесь оттуда.
「現在 河 西 的總督 達乃和示他‧波斯乃，並你們的同黨，就是 住河 西 的亞法薩迦人，你們當 遠 離 他們。
So now, Tattenai, ruler of the land across the river, and Shethar-bozenai and your people the Apharsachites across the river, keep far from that place:
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Ezra 6:6
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that in Ezra 6:6 King Darius issues a direct and forceful command to Tattenai and his associates: stop all interference with the temple rebuilding. The phrase “be ye far from thence” (Aramaic rachiqin havo) is a legal prohibition, not a suggestion. Barnes notes that this decree is grounded upon and probably recites the earlier decree of Cyrus. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges observes the abrupt shift into direct address and interprets the command as “keep aloof from Jerusalem, and do not interfere with the work.” Gill writes that Tattenai is to “keep at a distance from the Jews, and give them no disturbance.” Adam Clarke adds that the officials are to “further them all in your power.” The consensus is clear: the same officials who questioned the building permit (Ezra 5:3) are now ordered to protect it. Underlying the political reversal, the commentators see the hand of God, who turns the king’s heart to safeguard His people’s work (Proverbs 21:1).
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: Darius issues a direct and unambiguous command to Tattenai to cease interference in the temple rebuilding, showing that God's purpose will not be thwarted by human opposition.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Darius's command | Commentators agree it is a direct prohibition to stop interfering with the temple rebuilding. | No significant debate; the command is straightforward and unambiguous. |
| Relation to Cyrus's decree | All note that Darius's decree is grounded on and reaffirms the earlier decree of Cyrus found in the archives. | The supplied commentaries do not discuss any disagreement on this point. |
| Identity of the Apharsachites | Scholars agree they are a group of Persian officials or a class of magistrates mentioned in the correspondence. | Exact identification is uncertain; some suggest they were a specific ethnic group or tax collectors, but the text does not provide enough evidence to confirm. |
| Theological significance of the reversal | All see here a demonstration of God's sovereignty in turning the heart of a pagan king to protect His people. | No disagreement; this is the unanimous reading across Protestant commentators represented in the supplied sources. |
| Use of direct address in the decree | Cambridge Bible notes the abrupt shift to direct address, which is accepted as the literary form of the royal decree. | None; it is simply a textual feature noted but not disputed. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting is the reign of Darius I of Persia (522, 486 BC). The “region beyond the River” (Aramaic abar nahara) designates the Persian satrapy west of the Euphrates, including Syria, Phoenicia, and Palestine. Tattenai was the governor of this province; Shethar-bozenai was his civil associate. Earlier, in Ezra 5:3, they had confronted the Jewish elders, demanding to see the royal authorization for the temple. The elders, led by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, replied by citing the decree of Cyrus. Tattenai then reported to King Darius, urging a search of the archives. A scroll was found at Ecbatana (Achmetha) in Media, confirming Cyrus’s decree (Ezra 6:2, 5). Upon this discovery, Darius not only affirms the original decree but expands it. In verse 6 he commands, “you must stay far from there.” The Aramaic imperative carries legal force; verses 11, 12 make clear the severe penalties for disobedience. The phrase “your companions the Apharsachites” likely refers to a class of officials or a tribe, perhaps Persian inspectors or magistrates mentioned in earlier correspondence (Ezra 5:6). Darius also orders that expenses be paid from the royal treasury and that animals and supplies for sacrifices be provided daily (vv. 8, 10). This is not merely permission; it is state-sponsored worship of the “God of heaven.” The verse marks a decisive reversal: opposition that stalled the temple for years is not only removed but turned into imperial support.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant textual variants for Ezra 6:6. The Aramaic text is well preserved and presents no textual difficulties.
Reception History
This verse has been central in histories of the restoration period. Early Jewish tradition read it as part of the divine favor shown to the exiles. Christian commentators from the Reformation onward, such as Matthew Henry, emphasized the providential care of God for His church, drawing parallels to contemporary situations where rulers are guided by God. The verse is often cited to encourage believers that God can move the hearts of authorities to support the work of the kingdom. Its inclusion in the book of Ezra serves as a testimony that God’s word through prophets like Haggai and Zechariah was vindicated by Persian decrees.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- God’s covenant faithfulness preserves His word. The search for Cyrus’s decree shows that God ensures His promises are not forgotten, even in dusty archives (Ezra 6:2). Nothing is lost to Him. The written decree becomes the basis for new protection.
- God’s sovereignty over rulers turns opposition into support. Darius’s command to “stay far from there” reverses the earlier interrogation. The same Tattenai who once challenged the elders now receives orders to keep his distance. The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like watercourses (Proverbs 21:1). God does not remove the opposition; He transforms it.
- God’s people are called to continue the work while trusting His provision. The elders of the Jews build and prosper through the preaching of Haggai and Zechariah (v. 14). The decree does not make the work automatic; they must still build, but with official backing. God’s provision comes through means: prophecy, decree, and daily supplies.
Five-point outline
- The Problem: Tattenai’s challenge to the building project (Ezra 5:3, 5).
- The Search: Darius orders a search of the archives; the decree of Cyrus is found at Ecbatana.
- The Answer: Darius issues a new decree affirming and expanding Cyrus’s original command.
- The Command: Tattenai must stay far from Jerusalem and not interfere; the temple work is to proceed unhindered.
- The Provision: The king goes further, ordering funding from the royal treasury for sacrifices and supplies.
Illustration hooks
- A supervisor who previously blocked a project becomes its strongest supporter after learning it was already approved at a higher level.
- A court case turns on a single old document that proves original ownership. The discovery of Cyrus’s decree is that kind of turning point.
- Praying for a change in someone’s heart, only to see them later become an advocate for what they once opposed.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Does God care about church building projects and government paperwork? This story shows that God is involved in the details of permissions and politics for the sake of His kingdom.
- How can we trust God when the opposition seems powerful? The same officials who questioned the Jews are now ordered to support them. God can turn any authority to fulfill His purpose.
- What should we do when our God-given work is blocked? The example of the Jewish elders is to persist in the work while appealing to the proper authorities, undergirded by prophetic prayer.
Leading a Discussion
This passage shows God overruling human authority to secure His purposes. The opposition that once threatened the temple rebuilding is now commanded by the Persian king to support it. As you read, notice how the discovery of an old decree changes everything.
Discussion questions
- What was Tattenai’s earlier role in this story (Ezra 5:3)? How does that make Darius’s command in verse 6 surprising?
- What did Darius find in the archives at Ecbatana (vv. 2, 5)? Why was such a search necessary?
- What exactly does Darius command in verse 6? What does the phrase “stay far from there” imply about the previous conflict?
- Why does Darius include such strong warnings and even funding for the temple? What does this reveal about his perception of the “God of heaven” (vv. 9, 10)?
- How does this verse fit into the larger theme of God’s sovereignty over pagan kings shown elsewhere in Scripture (see Proverbs 21:1; Psalms 76:10)?
- When have you experienced a reversal of opposition into support that seemed like God’s intervention?
- How can this story encourage you to persist in God’s work even when authorities seem unfavorable?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Genesis 32:28 | He said, “Your name will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have fought with God and with men, and have prevailed.” |
| Genesis 43:14 | May God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release to you your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.” |
| Ezra 5:3 | At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, came to them, with Shetharbozenai and their companions, and asked them, “Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this wall?” |
| 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 River, sent to Darius the king follows. |
| Nehemiah 1:11 | Lord, I beg you, let your ear be attentive now to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name; and please prosper your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cup bearer to the king. |
| Psalms 76:10 | Surely the wrath of man praises you. The survivors of your wrath are restrained. |
| Proverbs 21:1 | The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires. |
| Proverbs 21:30 | There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
7 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke stresses that the command to stay away from interfering is only half the duty. The positive counterpart is to actively support and aid the Jews in their building work with every resource at one’s disposal.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes notes that the decree quoted in this verse is not an independent edict from Darius, but one founded on and likely restating the earlier decree issued by Cyrus. The point is that Darius acted by building on Cyrus's original authorization.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentary notes the rough, inartistic composition of the document, pointing out a sudden shift to direct address and a third-person pronoun that the writer apparently copied without adjusting. This suggests the work was transcribed as received, with little editing.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Note stresses that this command from King Darius amounts to a blunt and absolute instruction: the Persian officials are ordered to physically stay away from the temple work entirely. God moved the heart of a pagan king to shield His people from further interference.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill notes that the Persian king's decree explicitly orders Tatnai, Shetharboznai, and the Apharsachites to keep their distance from the Jews and stop interfering with the temple construction. He cites Josephus in identifying Tatnai as the "master of the horse," a high-ranking official.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange reads the Passover celebration as the covenant community's decisive reentry into salvation history, a second redemption comparable to the Exodus. By calling Darius the "king of Assyria," he highlights how God transformed the ancient enemy into the patron of His people, turning the long exile into a new beginning.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry sees in Darius’s decree a clear pattern of divine providence: God had kept Cyrus’s original order perfectly preserved in the archives, and now brought it to light at the right moment to overrule the opposition. The pagan king becomes an unwitting instrument, confirming God’s work and supplying its full cost.