Artaxerxes

Definition

Artaxerxes was a king who reigned over the Persian empire from about 464 to 424 BC.

• During Artaxerxes’ reign, the Israelites from Judah were in exile in Babylon, which was under the control of Persia at that time.
• Artaxerxes allowed Ezra the priest and other Jewish leaders to leave Babylon and go back to Jerusalem to teach the Israelites the Law of God.
• Later during this time, Artaxerxes also allowed his cupbearer Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to lead the Jews in rebuilding the walls surrounding the city.
• Because Babylon was under the rule of Persia, Artaxerxes was sometimes called the “king of Babylon.”
• Note that Artaxerxes is not the same person as Xerxes (Ahasuerus).

(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)

(See also: Ahasuerus, Babylon, cupbearer, Ezra, Nehemiah, Persia)

Bible References

• Ezra 4:7-8
• Ezra 7:1-5
• Nehemiah 2:1
• Nehemiah 13:6-7

Word Data

• Strong’s: H0783