Artaxerxes is mentioned several times in the Bible, primarily in the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah. He was the King of Persia who ruled from 465-424 BC, and is known for issuing decrees that allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.
One of the most significant mentions of Artaxerxes in the Bible is in the Book of Ezra, which records his decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This decree came after the Jews had been in exile in Babylon for many years, and it was seen as a great moment of hope and restoration for the Jewish people.
In the Book of Nehemiah, Artaxerxes is mentioned several times as well. Nehemiah was a Jewish cupbearer to the king, and it was through his position that he was able to obtain permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Artaxerxes granted Nehemiah’s request, and he went on to lead the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem.
Artaxerxes is also mentioned in the Book of Esther, which tells the story of how the Jewish queen Esther saved her people from being killed by the wicked Haman, who had plotted to exterminate all the Jews in the kingdom. Artaxerxes is portrayed as a wise and just king who listened to Esther’s plea and ultimately issued a decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies.
Artaxerxes played a significant role in the history of the Jews, and his actions are remembered and celebrated in the Bible as a time of restoration and hope for the Jewish people.