Shethar Boznai
“Shining Star”
Summary
A Persian official who initially tried to hinder the rebuilding of Jerusalem's temple but was ordered by Darius to help the Jews instead.
☩Opposition to Temple Building
Shethar-boznai was a Persian officer of rank serving under Tatnai the satrap in the province 'beyond the river' during the reign of Darius Hystaspis. He joined with Tatnai and the Apharsachites in trying to obstruct the rebuilding of the Temple under Zerubbabel, writing to Darius to verify whether Cyrus had truly decreed its restoration. His name is Persian, meaning 'shining star' or 'star of splendor.'
☩Ordered to Assist
When the decree of Cyrus was found at Ecbatana, Darius commanded Shethar-boznai and his colleagues not only to cease obstruction but actively to aid the Jews with money from royal tribute and with animals and supplies for sacrifices. After receiving this order, Shethar-boznai offered no further obstruction, and the account of Jewish prosperity that follows indicates the Persian governors acted fully in the spirit of their instructions.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shethar-boznai," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Shethar Boznai," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Shethar Boznai," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 4.George Morrish, "Shetharboznai," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 5.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shethar-boznai," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).