How Did King Artaxerxes Impact History?
Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven. Peace. And now I make a decree that anyone of the people of Israel or their priests or Levites in my kingdom, who freely offers to go to Jerusalem, may go with you. For you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to make inquiries about Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God, which is in your hand, and to carry the silver and gold that the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem, and all the silver and gold that you find in all the province of Babylonia, with the freewill offerings of the people and the priests, vowed willingly for the house of their God that is in Jerusalem. with this money, then, you shall with all diligence buy bulls, rams, and lambs, with their grain offerings and their drink offerings, and you shall offer them on the altar of the house of your God that is in Jerusalem. And whatever else is required for the house of your God, which it falls to you to provide, you may provide it out of the king's treasury. The vessels that have been given you for the service of the house of your God, you shall deliver before the God of Jerusalem. And whatever else is required for the house of your God, which it falls to you to provide, you may provide it out of the king's treasury. “And I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers in the province Beyond the River: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, requires of you, let it be done with all diligence, up to 100 talents of silver, 100 cors of wheat, 100 baths of wine, 100 baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much. Whatever is decreed by the God of heaven, let it be done in full for the house of the God of heaven, lest his wrath be against the realm of the king and his sons. We also notify you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on anyone of the priests, the Levites, the singers, the doorkeepers, the temple servants, or other servants of this house of God. “And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people in the province Beyond the River, all such as know the laws of your God. And those who do not know them, you shall teach. Whoever will not obey the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be strictly executed on him, whether for death or for banishment or for confiscation of his goods or for imprisonment."
Key Facts
Term Name
King Artaxerxes
Role
King of Persia
Born
c. 465 BC
Died
c. 424 BC
Key Takeaways
- Artaxerxes issued decrees enabling Jewish return to Jerusalem and temple rebuilding.
- God used Artaxerxes to advance His redemptive purposes through Ezra and Nehemiah.
- Artaxerxes' reign demonstrated divine sovereignty over imperial policies.
Who Was King Artaxerxes in the Bible?
King Artaxerxes, a Persian monarch referenced in Ezra 7:12-26, played a pivotal role in Israel’s post-exilic restoration by granting a decree that facilitated the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s temple and the reestablishment of Jewish worship.
As recorded in Ezra 7:12-26, Artaxerxes issued a royal edict permitting Jewish leaders to return to Jerusalem, authorizing the collection of resources for temple worship, and granting legal authority to enforce the decree. His reign, likely corresponding to Artaxerxes I (c. 465–424 BCE), overlapped with the later stages of Israel’s return from Babylonian exile, positioning him as a key patron of the post-exilic community. The text emphasizes his generosity in providing funds, materials, and tax exemptions to support the religious and civic revitalization of Judah.
This royal endorsement not only enabled Ezra the scribe to lead a second wave of returnees but also institutionalized the authority of Jewish religious practices under Persian oversight. Understanding Artaxerxes’ role illuminates the complex interplay between Persian imperial policy and the spiritual renewal of the Jewish people during this period.
Artaxerxes and Ezra’s Mission
In Ezra 7:12-26, King Artaxerxes issued a decree that empowered Ezra the scribe to lead a second wave of Jewish returnees to Jerusalem and reinvigorate religious and civic life in Judah.
The decree granted Ezra authority to appoint magistrates and judges for the Jewish community (Ezra 7:14) and provided financial resources, including funds for temple sacrifices and materials for communal needs (Ezra 7:22). Artaxerxes exempted Jews in Judah and Jerusalem from taxes and labor for temple projects (Ezra 7:24) and authorized the collection of gold, silver, and goods for the Jerusalem sanctuary (Ezra 7:22). This royal endorsement not only reinforced the legitimacy of Jewish worship under Persian rule but also ensured practical support for rebuilding institutions disrupted by the Babylonian exile, as detailed in Ezra 7:12-26.
Artaxerxes and Nehemiah’s Wall
In contrast to his support for Ezra’s religious mission, Artaxerxes indirectly facilitated Nehemiah’s rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls through strategic royal intervention (Nehemiah 2:1-8).
When Nehemiah petitioned Artaxerxes about the desolation of Jerusalem, the king inquired about the duration of his journey and ultimately granted permission to rebuild, providing letters to Asaph, the royal forest keeper, for timber (Nehemiah 2:5-8). This pragmatic support—issuing official documents and resources—reveals Artaxerxes’ willingness to address specific administrative needs while maintaining Persian oversight.
Unlike Ezra’s decree emphasizing religious authority and funding (Ezra 7:24-26), Artaxerxes’ response to Nehemiah focused on logistical enablement, highlighting his adaptability in addressing distinct aspects of Judah’s restoration.
What We Can Learn From King Artaxerxes
King Artaxerxes' dual role in enabling Ezra’s religious reforms and Nehemiah’s civic restoration underscores how God sovereignly orchestrates even pagan rulers to advance His redemptive purposes.
Ezra 7:21-22 reveals Artaxerxes’ decree granting resources for temple worship, illustrating how God used a Gentile king to fulfill His promises to Israel. Similarly, Nehemiah 2:8 shows Artaxerxes supplying materials for Jerusalem’s walls, demonstrating divine sovereignty over imperial policies. These actions remind modern leaders that God often works through human authorities to achieve His timing and purposes.
Artaxerxes’ obedience to God’s will, as seen in Ezra 7:23-24—where he entrusted Jewish leaders with judicial authority—highlights the importance of aligning leadership with transcendent values. His example challenges contemporary leaders to prioritize ethical stewardship and trust in a higher calling beyond immediate political gains.
By examining Artaxerxes’ role, we see that God’s plans transcend human ambition, inviting leaders to seek alignment with His will rather than self-serving agendas.
Further Reading
Key Scripture Mentions
Ezra 7:12-26
Artaxerxes' decree authorizing Ezra to lead Jewish returnees and rebuild the temple.
Nehemiah 2:1-8
Artaxerxes grants Nehemiah permission and resources to rebuild Jerusalem's walls.
Related Concepts
Ezra (Figures)
Jewish scribe who led a second wave of returnees under Artaxerxes' decree.
Nehemiah (Figures)
Jewish leader who rebuilt Jerusalem's walls with Artaxerxes' support.
Divine Sovereignty (Theological Concepts)
God's orchestration of Artaxerxes' actions to fulfill His redemptive plans.