Tattenai's Inquiry

Tattenai was a Persian governor of the province "Beyond the River," which included the region of Judah during the time of the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. His role is prominently featured in the Book of Ezra, specifically in chapters 5 and 6. Tattenai's inquiry into the activities of the Jewish exiles is a significant event in the post-exilic period, reflecting the complex interactions between the returning Jews and the Persian authorities.

The context of Tattenai's inquiry begins with the Jewish exiles, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, resuming the construction of the Temple after a period of cessation due to opposition from local adversaries. The work had been halted during the reign of Artaxerxes, but it was resumed in the second year of King Darius's reign, encouraged by the prophetic ministries of Haggai and Zechariah.

Tattenai, along with Shethar-Bozenai and their associates, approached the Jews and questioned their authority to rebuild the Temple. Ezra 5:3-4 records this inquiry: "At that time Tattenai, the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-Bozenai, and their associates came to them and asked, 'Who gave you the authority to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?' They also asked, 'What are the names of the men who are constructing this building?'"

The Jewish leaders responded by recounting the decree of Cyrus, which had originally authorized the rebuilding of the Temple. They explained that the work was being carried out under divine mandate and royal permission. Tattenai, seeking to verify this claim, wrote a letter to King Darius, requesting confirmation of the decree and guidance on how to proceed.

Darius's Decree

King Darius's response to Tattenai's inquiry is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Temple's reconstruction. Upon receiving Tattenai's letter, Darius ordered a search of the royal archives to verify the existence of Cyrus's decree. The search was successful, and the decree was found in the citadel of Ecbatana in the province of Media.

Ezra 6:1-2 states: "Thus King Darius issued an order, and they searched the archives stored in the treasury of Babylon. And a scroll was found in the fortress of Ecbatana in the province of Media, and this was written on it: Memorandum."

The decree confirmed that Cyrus had indeed authorized the rebuilding of the Temple and had provided for its expenses from the royal treasury. In response, Darius issued his own decree, which not only reaffirmed the original decree of Cyrus but also provided additional support for the project. Ezra 6:7-8 records Darius's instructions: "Leave this work on the house of God alone. Let the governor and elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its original site. Furthermore, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: The expenses are to be fully paid to these men from the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop."

Darius's decree also included severe penalties for anyone who might attempt to alter or obstruct the rebuilding efforts. This royal endorsement not only facilitated the completion of the Temple but also demonstrated the providential hand of God in the affairs of His people, ensuring that His purposes would be accomplished despite opposition.

The successful completion of the Temple in the sixth year of Darius's reign marked a significant milestone in the restoration of Jewish worship and community life in Jerusalem. The narrative of Tattenai's inquiry and Darius's decree underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and faithfulness, as God used the authority of a foreign king to fulfill His promises to His people.