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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 6:6. It’s a really important part of a story about rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem after a period of chaos and rebellion. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: “Now, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which [are] beyond the river, be ye far from thence:” This is a very direct instruction to the governor, Tatnai, and his group – the Apharsachites – to leave the area. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezra 6:6” : This tells us where this instruction came from – it’s part of a longer text called Ezra. “Now…” : This sets up the context – we're talking about a specific moment in time. “Tatnai, governor beyond the river…” : This is the first person giving the command. Tatnai was the governor of the region. “Beyond the river” refers to the Jordan River that separated Jerusalem from its neighbors. “Shetharboznai…” : This is a specific name for the group – they were a group of officials and people tasked with overseeing the rebuilding efforts. “…and your companions the Apharsachites…” : This identifies who Tatnai was instructing. The Apharsachites were a group of people who had been involved in rebellion and disturbing the peace. “which [are] beyond the river” : This is key. It means they need to leave this area – specifically, this region – completely . It’s not just a suggestion; it's an absolute requirement. “be ye far from thence:” : This is a command for them to leave immediately and go somewhere else. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse is a crucial piece of the story. It’s telling us that Tatnai and his group had to leave a specific area because they were causing problems. The message here is about restoration and rebuilding. It's a sign that the people needed to start over, to put things back in order, and to show their commitment to God through repentance and renewed efforts. It’s essentially a command to start anew – to leave the past behind and focus on a righteous future. In short: Tatnai and his group were ordered to leave a specific area due to disruptive behavior, and it's part of a larger message about rebuilding and restoration. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these words or phrases in more detail? Give you an example of how this verse fits into the broader story of Ezra’s time?