Tatnai

Rebuilding the temple drew official attention. When the returned exiles set to work, a Persian governor named Tatnai came and asked who had commanded them to build. Rather than stop the work on his own, he wrote to King Darius and sent a copy of the letter. Darius searched the records and replied that Tatnai and his companions should stay away and let the builders go on. Then, Ezra says, they did as the king had sent, “speedily.” The story shows a skeptical official asking fair questions and acting on the answer. It is told in Ezra 5 and 6.

4 verses

Ezra

Ezra 5:3

At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?

Ezra 5:6

The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:

Ezra 6:6

Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:

Ezra 6:13

Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.

From Easton's Bible Dictionary

Matthew George Easton, 1897

Gift, a Persian governor (Heb. pehah, i.e., “satrap;” modern “pasha”) “on this side the river”, i.e., of the whole tract on the west of the Euphrates. This Hebrew title pehah is given to governors of provinces generally. It is given to Nehemiah (5:14) and to Zerubbabel (Hag. 1:1). It is sometimes translated “captain” (1 Kings 20:24; Dan. 3:2, 3), sometimes also “deputy” (Esther 8:9; 9:3). With others, Tatnai opposed the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 5:6); but at the command of Darius, he assisted the Jews (6:1-13).

From Smith's Bible Dictionary

William Smith, 1884

(gift), satrap of the province west of the Euphrates in the time of Darius Hystaspes. (Ezra 5:3,6; 6:6,13) (B.C. 520.) The name is thought to be Persian.