Who was Mithredath in the Bible?

Man living at the time of Exile and Return

Mithredath is a person mentioned in the Bible in Ezra 1:8. He is described as a man living at the time of the Exile and Return. Mithredath is only mentioned in this particular verse in the Bible.

From a biblical point of view, the Bible does not provide extensive information about Mithredath, but we can still draw some insights from his brief mention in Ezra 1:8. In this verse, Mithredath is identified as the treasurer who counted out the articles related to the temple of the Lord that King Cyrus of Persia brought out of the Babylonian captivity. This indicates that he held a position of responsibility and trust during that time.

The name Mithredath is of Persian origin, which suggests that he may have been of Persian descent or held a high-ranking position within the Persian administration. His involvement in the return of the temple articles signifies his role in facilitating the restoration of worship practices in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

As with many minor figures in the Bible, Mithredath’s significance lies in his contribution to the larger narrative of God’s faithfulness in preserving and restoring His people. His obedience in carrying out the orders of King Cyrus reflects the providential work of God in allowing the Israelites to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple.

While Mithredath’s role may seem minor compared to other prominent figures in the Bible, his inclusion in the historical account of the Exile and Return serves as a reminder that God uses individuals, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to accomplish His purposes and fulfill His promises to His people.

In conclusion, Mithredath, as mentioned in Ezra 1:8, was a man living at the time of the Exile and Return, who played a role in the restoration of temple articles to Jerusalem. His obedience and service, though briefly noted, demonstrate God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His plans for His people.