Ezra 6:6

DARIUS' REPLY TO TATTENAI; GOVERNOR BEYOND THE RIVER

"Now therefore, Tettanai, governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, be ye far from thence: let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place."

"This order must have stunned Tettanai and his companions."[9] Not only did Darius confirm the existence of the decree of Cyrus, he added his own authority and power to back it up, and even commanded the expenses of the project to be borne by the tax revenues which Tattenai controlled; and that probably meant that some of the expense would come out of Tattenai's own pockets.

"Be ye far from thence" (Ezra 6:6). This should not be interpreted to mean that the governor was not to go near the temple for purposes of inspection; but, "It meant: Do not interfere with or impede the work on the building."[10] Matthew Henry commented that, "The manner of Darius' expression here indicates that he knew that Tattenai and his companions had a mind to hinder the work."[11]