Shethar-Boznai

Shethar-Boznai (the form UPDV writes as Shethar-bozenai) is a Persian official paired throughout Ezra 5-6 with Tattenai, the governor of the province Beyond the River. The two appear together at every step of the inquiry into the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple.

The Inquiry at the Temple Site

When the work resumes under Zerubbabel and Jeshua, the provincial authorities arrive on the scene to question it: "At the same time Tattenai came to them, the governor beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai, and their fellow slaves, and said thus to them, Who gave you⁺ a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?" (Ezra 5:3).

The Letter to Darius

The two officials write to the king to verify the elders' claim of Cyrus' decree: "The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai, and his fellow slaves the Apharsachites, who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king;" (Ezra 5:6).

Darius' Reply

Darius locates Cyrus' original decree and sends back a counter-instruction that names them again: "Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your⁺ fellow slaves the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, be⁺ far from there:" (Ezra 6:6).

Compliance

The officials carry out the king's order without delay: "Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their fellow slaves, because Darius the king had sent, did accordingly with all diligence" (Ezra 6:13).