Artaxerxes
"The Persian King who showed great favor and support for the reconstruction of Jerusalem."
Biblical Profile
Artaxerxes I Longimanus, the fifth King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire, was a decisive figure in the post-exilic restoration of Israel. His 40-year reign provided the crucial window of opportunity for the return of the Jewish exiles to Zion. Though he initially halted construction on the city based on reports of its 'rebellious' past, his heart was later inclined toward the projects of Ezra and Nehemiah.
In the seventh year of his reign, he issued a decree authorizing Ezra to lead a second group of exiles back to Jerusalem and provided immense wealth from the royal treasury for the Temple services. In his twentieth year, he noticed the grief of his cupbearer, Nehemiah, and granted him leave to return and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. His support was more than simply passive; he provided letters for safe passage and timber for construction, effectively making the Persian Empire the benefactor of the Holy City's defense.
Theological Significance
Artaxerxes illustrates God’s sovereignty over the hearts of even the most powerful secular rulers.
1. The Heart of the King: Proverbs 21:1 states that 'The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord... he turns it wherever he will.' Artaxerxes is a historical demonstration of this truth, moving from an obstacle to an ally of God's people.
2. Providing for Restoration: His decrees show that God can use the resources and legal structures of a secular empire to fulfill His promises to His people.
3. Prophetic Timing: The date of Artaxerxes’ decree to rebuild Jerusalem's walls is key to historical-theological calculations of the 'Seventy Weeks' of Daniel, connecting his pagan reign to the eventual arrival of the Jewish Messiah.
Scripture References
FAQ
Identity
Is the Artaxerxes in Ezra the same as in Nehemiah?expand_more
Most historians and scholars agree they refer to Artaxerxes I, who ruled for 40 years. His long reign provided the stability needed for the various stages of Jerusalem's restoration.
Life Events
Why did Artaxerxes change his mind about Jerusalem?expand_more
Initially, he stopped the work based on rumors of the city's rebellious history (Ezra 4). Later, likely due to Ezra's faithfulness and Nehemiah's personal appeal, he recognized the Jews' peaceful intentions and became their greatest supporter.
Theology
How does Artaxerxes fulfill prophecy?expand_more
His decree in the 20th year of his reign (444 BC) to rebuild Jerusalem is often identified as the starting point for the 'seventy weeks' prophecy in Daniel 9, which points to the arrival of the Messiah.
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