Artaxerxes is a name associated with several Persian kings mentioned in the Bible, most notably in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The name Artaxerxes is derived from the Old Persian "Artaxšaçā," meaning "Righteous Ruler" or "Whose Reign is Through Truth." The most prominent Artaxerxes in the biblical narrative is Artaxerxes I, who reigned from 465 to 424 BC. His reign is significant in the context of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Artaxerxes I in the Bible

1. Ezra's Mission: Artaxerxes I is noted for his role in the return of the Jewish scribe Ezra to Jerusalem. In Ezra 7:11-26, Artaxerxes issues a decree that allows Ezra to lead a group of exiles back to Jerusalem. The king provides Ezra with resources and authority to appoint magistrates and judges, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the Law of God. The decree states, "You are sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God, which is in your hand" (Ezra 7:14).

2. Nehemiah's Commission: Artaxerxes I also plays a crucial role in the mission of Nehemiah, who served as his cupbearer. Nehemiah 2:1-8 records Nehemiah's request to Artaxerxes for permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. The king grants Nehemiah's request, providing letters of safe passage and resources for the construction. Nehemiah 2:8 notes, "And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests" .

3. Support for the Jewish Community: Artaxerxes' decrees reflect a policy of support and protection for the Jewish community, allowing them to restore their religious and civic life. This support is seen as part of God's providential plan for His people, facilitating the fulfillment of prophecies regarding the restoration of Jerusalem.

Historical Context

Artaxerxes I's reign was marked by internal stability and external challenges, including revolts in Egypt and conflicts with Greece. His policies towards the Jewish people can be understood within the broader context of Persian administrative practices, which often allowed subject peoples a degree of autonomy in religious and local affairs. This approach helped maintain loyalty and order within the vast Persian Empire.

Artaxerxes II and III

While Artaxerxes I is the most significant in the biblical narrative, Artaxerxes II (reigned 404-358 BC) and Artaxerxes III (reigned 358-338 BC) are also part of Persian history. However, they are not directly mentioned in the biblical texts. Their reigns were characterized by continued challenges to Persian authority and efforts to consolidate power.

Theological Significance

The actions of Artaxerxes I, as recorded in the Bible, highlight the theme of God's sovereignty over the nations. Despite being a pagan king, Artaxerxes is used by God to accomplish His purposes for Israel. This underscores the biblical principle that God can work through any ruler or nation to fulfill His divine plan, as seen in Proverbs 21:1: "The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases" .

Artaxerxes' favorable treatment of the Jewish people serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring the preservation and restoration of His chosen people in preparation for the coming of the Messiah.Ar-ta-xerx'es (14 Occurrences)

Ezra 4:7
In the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his companions, to Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian character, and set forth in the Syrian language.
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Ezra 4:8
Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:
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Ezra 4:11
This is the copy of the letter that they sent to Artaxerxes the king: Your servants the men beyond the River, and so forth.
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Ezra 4:23
Then when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
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Ezra 6:14
The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the decree of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. the lowest
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Ezra 7:1
Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,
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Ezra 7:7
There went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinim, to Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
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Ezra 7:11
Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, even the scribe of the words of the commandments of Yahweh, and of his statutes to Israel:
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Ezra 7:12
Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect and so forth.
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Ezra 7:21
I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done with all diligence,
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Ezra 8:1
Now these are the heads of their fathers' houses, and this is the genealogy of those who went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king:
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Nehemiah 2:1
It happened in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, when wine was before him, that I took up the wine, and gave it to the king. Now I had not been before sad in his presence.
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Nehemiah 5:14
Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brothers have not eaten the bread of the governor.
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Nehemiah 13:6
But in all this time I was not at Jerusalem; for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went to the king: and after certain days asked I leave of the king,
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Ar-ta-xerx'es (14 Occurrences)
Ar-ta-xerx'es. Artaxerxes, Ar-ta-xerx'es. Artemas . Multi-Version Concordance
Ar-ta-xerx'es (14 Occurrences). Ezra 4:7 In the days ...
/a/ar-ta-xerx'es.htm - 10k

Artaxerxes (14 Occurrences)

/a/artaxerxes.htm - 16k

Artemas (1 Occurrence)

/a/artemas.htm - 7k

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