Mithredath, Treasurer of Cyrus

Background and Family

The biblical record provides no genealogical data regarding Mithredath’s ancestry or tribe. His name is of Persian origin, likely meaning 'given by Mithra,' which suggests he was of Persian or Median descent rather than a member of the Jewish exile community. As a treasurer (Hebrew: gizbar), he held a specialized bureaucratic office responsible for the management of the royal storehouses and the distribution of imperial assets.

Major Life Events

The sole recorded event in Mithredath’s life occurs in the first year of Cyrus's reign (c. 538 BC). Following the royal proclamation allowing the Jews to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, Cyrus ordered the return of the sacred vessels that had been housed in the house of the gods in Babylon.

"Cyrus king of Persia had them brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah." (Ezra 1:8)

This act of 'counting out' was a formal legal transfer of property. Mithredath’s role was to ensure that the inventory—consisting of thousands of gold and silver bowls, censers, and basins—was accurately handed over to the Jewish authorities. This administrative step was crucial for the legitimate restoration of temple worship, as it reconnected the post-exilic community with the pre-exilic traditions of their ancestors.

Relationship to Other Biblical Figures

Mithredath’s primary recorded interaction is with Sheshbazzar, the leader of the first wave of returning exiles. While Sheshbazzar represented the aspirations of the Jewish people, Mithredath represented the authority and cooperation of the Persian state. Their interaction characterizes the unique political environment of the Post-Exilic Period, where the restoration of Israel was facilitated by the administrative machinery of a foreign empire.

Spiritual Significance

Though Mithredath is a minor figure mentioned in only one verse, his role is significant within the theology of the Book of Ezra. His actions demonstrate the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy regarding the return of the temple vessels. By recording the name of the specific official who oversaw the transfer, the author of Ezra emphasizes the historical reality and the legality of the restoration. Mithredath serves as a historical witness to the fact that the Persian government actively supported the re-establishment of the Jewish cultus, illustrating the biblical theme that God can move the hearts and hands of foreign officials to accomplish His purposes.