Mithredath מִתְרְדָת
A Persian official who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Who is Mithredath in the Bible?
Mithredath was a Persian official during the reign of King Artaxerxes who actively opposed the Jewish rebuilding of Jerusalem after the exile. Mentioned in Ezra 4:7, he collaborated with other officials including Bishlam and Tabeel to write an official letter in Aramaic to the Persian king, accusing the Jews of reconstructing the city walls and warning that this would threaten Persian imperial interests. The letter urged Artaxerxes to consult historical records, claiming Jerusalem had a history of rebellion that made it dangerous to allow its restoration. This opposition exemplifies the resistance the returning Jews faced from those who sought to maintain control over the region, and it demonstrates how political enemies used official channels to hinder the restoration of God's people and their holy city.
Biography
Mithredath is mentioned in Ezr.4.7 as one of the Persian officials who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem during the reign of King Artaxerxes. Along with Bishlam, Tabeel, and the rest of their associates, Mithredath wrote a letter to the king, accusing the Jews of rebuilding the city walls and expressing concern that this would lead to rebellion against the Persian Empire.
The letter was written in Aramaic and translated, indicating that it was an official document sent to the Persian court. Mithredath and his colleagues urged the king to search the historical records to verify that Jerusalem had a history of rebellion and that allowing the city to be rebuilt would be detrimental to the interests of the empire.
As a result of this letter, King Artaxerxes issued a decree ordering the Jews to stop their work on the city walls. This opposition from Mithredath and the other officials effectively halted the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem for a time, until the reign of King Darius when the Jews were allowed to resume their work.
Mithredath's actions demonstrate the political challenges faced by the Jewish people as they sought to rebuild their homeland and restore their religious practices in the face of opposition from local officials and neighboring peoples.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentEzra 1 verse
- Ezra 4:7
"And in the days of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. It was written in Aramaic and then translated."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | מִתְרְדָת |