Tatnai
Tat'nai (Heb. Tatnay', תִּתנִיַ; Pers., perhaps-gift; Sept. Θανθαναϊv v.r. Θαναναϊv, Θαθθαναϊv, etc.; Vulg. Thathanazi a Persian governor (פֶּחָה, i.e. pasha) who succeeded Rehum in the rule of Samaria, and probably of other provinces north of Judea, in the time of Darius Hystaspis and Zerubbabel (Ezr 5:3,6; Ezr 6:6,13), B.C. 520. He appears to have been a more just person, and more friendly to the Jews, than his predecessor. An adverse report of their proceedings at Jerusalem reached him; but he resolved to suspend his judgment till he had examined into the matter on the spot. He accordingly repaired thither, accompanied by another great officer, named Shethar-boznai (q.v.), and their colleagues, and, finding that the Jews alleged the authority of a royal decree for their proceedings, he sent to the supreme government a temperate and fair report, founded on the information he had obtained, suggesting that the statement made by the Jews as to the decree of Cyrus and other matters should be verified by reference to the archives at Babylon. Then, without one word to influence the decision or to prejudice the claim advanced, Tatnai concludes with intimating that he awaits the royal orders. 'This official letter of the Persian governor is quite a model of exactness, moderation, and truth, and gives a very favorable idea of the administrative part of the Persian government. The rescript being favorable to the claim of the Jews, whose statement had been verified by the discovery of the original decree of Cyrus, Tatnai and his colleagues applied themselves with vigor to the execution of the royal commands. SEE EZRA.
