Tatnai
Summary
Tatnai was a Persian governor who investigated the Jewish rebuilding of the Temple and whose fair report to King Darius resulted in royal support for the project.
☩Official Position
Tatnai was a Persian governor (pasha) who succeeded Rehum in ruling Samaria and probably other provinces north of Judea during the reign of Darius Hystaspis. His name is thought to be Persian, possibly meaning 'gift.'
☩Investigation of Temple Building
When adverse reports about Jewish activities in Jerusalem reached Tatnai, he resolved to investigate personally before making judgment. Accompanied by Shethar-boznai and other officials, he traveled to Jerusalem and found that the Jews claimed authority from Cyrus's royal decree for their rebuilding efforts. His official letter to King Darius was 'quite a model of exactness, moderation, and truth,' giving a favorable idea of Persian administration. He suggested the Jewish claims be verified against the archives at Babylon, without any word to prejudice the case.
☩Execution of Royal Orders
When the rescript from King Darius proved favorable to the Jews after verifying Cyrus's original decree, Tatnai and his colleagues applied themselves vigorously to executing the royal commands in support of the Temple rebuilding.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Tatnai," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Tatnai," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).