1 Esdras 7:1 is a reference to Ezra 6:13 in the Old Testament. The verse in 1 Esdras (which is considered Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical) essentially recounts the obedience and cooperation of local governors to King Darius' decree to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.
Here's a breakdown:
Sisinnes the governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, and Sathrabuzanes: These were the local governors appointed by the Persian Empire over the regions of Coelesyria and Phoenicia. These were important territories under Persian control. Sisinnes is an alternate (Greek) spelling of Tattenai (found in Ezra 5:3, Ezra 6:6). Sathrabuzanes is likely a transliteration of Shethar-bozenai, Tattenai's colleague mentioned in Ezra.
with their companions: This refers to the officials and administrators who worked under these governors.
following the commandments of king Darius: This is the key point. King Darius I of Persia had previously confirmed Cyrus the Great's decree to rebuild the Temple. These governors, along with their staff, are now actively obeying Darius' orders and are thus facilitating the rebuilding project.
In essence, the verse shows how the Persian king's command was being executed by local authorities. It emphasizes the collaboration between the Persian administration and the returning Jewish exiles in rebuilding their Temple. It demonstrates that the decree was not just a piece of paper but was being actively implemented. This contributes to the narrative of God working through foreign kings to restore the Jewish people and their worship.
1 Esdras 7:1 is a reference to Ezra 6:13 in the Old Testament. The verse in 1 Esdras (which is considered Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical) essentially recounts the obedience and cooperation of local governors to King Darius' decree to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.
Here's a breakdown:
Sisinnes the governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, and Sathrabuzanes: These were the local governors appointed by the Persian Empire over the regions of Coelesyria and Phoenicia. These were important territories under Persian control. Sisinnes is an alternate (Greek) spelling of Tattenai (found in Ezra 5:3, Ezra 6:6). Sathrabuzanes is likely a transliteration of Shethar-bozenai, Tattenai's colleague mentioned in Ezra.
with their companions: This refers to the officials and administrators who worked under these governors.
following the commandments of king Darius: This is the key point. King Darius I of Persia had previously confirmed Cyrus the Great's decree to rebuild the Temple. These governors, along with their staff, are now actively obeying Darius' orders and are thus facilitating the rebuilding project.
In essence, the verse shows how the Persian king's command was being executed by local authorities. It emphasizes the collaboration between the Persian administration and the returning Jewish exiles in rebuilding their Temple. It demonstrates that the decree was not just a piece of paper but was being actively implemented. This contributes to the narrative of God working through foreign kings to restore the Jewish people and their worship.
