Topical Encyclopedia Artaxerxes, a name borne by several Persian kings, is notably associated with the period of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile. The most prominent Artaxerxes in the biblical narrative is Artaxerxes I, who reigned from 465 to 424 BC. His reign is marked by significant acts of liberality towards the Jewish people, particularly in the context of the restoration of Jerusalem and its temple.Artaxerxes and Ezra The Book of Ezra provides a detailed account of Artaxerxes' liberality. In Ezra 7, Artaxerxes issues a decree that permits Ezra, a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, to lead a group of exiles back to Jerusalem. This decree is not merely a permission but is accompanied by generous provisions. Artaxerxes commands that silver and gold be provided from the royal treasury and from the freewill offerings of the people and priests for the temple of God in Jerusalem (Ezra 7:15-16). Furthermore, he instructs that whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, lambs, grain offerings, and drink offerings—should be supplied without fail (Ezra 7:17). Artaxerxes' decree also extends to the administrative and judicial aspects of Jewish life. He empowers Ezra to appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people in the region beyond the River, and to teach those who do not know the laws of God (Ezra 7:25). This act of liberality not only supports the religious practices of the Jews but also reinforces their societal structure according to their laws. Artaxerxes and Nehemiah The liberality of Artaxerxes is further exemplified in the Book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to Artaxerxes, is granted permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. Artaxerxes' support is comprehensive; he provides Nehemiah with letters to the governors of the region to ensure safe passage and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest, to supply timber for the gates, walls, and the house Nehemiah would occupy (Nehemiah 2:7-8). Artaxerxes' actions demonstrate a remarkable degree of trust and support for Nehemiah's mission. The king's willingness to assist in the fortification of Jerusalem, a city that had previously been a source of trouble for the Persian Empire, underscores his liberality and the favor he extends to his Jewish subjects. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, Artaxerxes' liberality can be seen as part of God's providential plan for His people. The king's favorable decrees and generous provisions align with the prophetic promises of restoration and return. Artaxerxes, though a pagan king, becomes an instrument in the hands of God to fulfill His purposes for Israel. His actions reflect the biblical theme that God can use even those outside the covenant community to accomplish His divine will. Artaxerxes' liberality is a testament to the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and rulers. It serves as a reminder of the ways in which God orchestrates historical events to bring about His redemptive plans, often through unexpected means and individuals. Nave's Topical Index Ezra 7:13-27I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with you. Nave's Topical Index Ezra 8:24-36 Library Ezra, the Priest and Scribe Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. Book iii. General Index. Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects. Footnotes The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Resources Liberality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Liberality in Antioch (Of Syria) Liberality: Araunah for Sacrifice Liberality: Barzillai and Others to David Liberality: Blessings Connected With Liberality: Characteristic of Saints Liberality: Christ Set an Example of Liberality: Elisha Toward Elijah Liberality: Exercise of, Provokes Others To Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Churches of Macedonia Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Israelites Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Poor Widow Liberality: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: Israelites at the Erection of the Tabernacle Liberality: Israelites' offerings for the Temple Liberality: Jews After the Captivity Liberality: Joash and his People Liberality: King of Sodom to Abraham Liberality: Labour to be Enabled to Exercise Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Having Faith Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Loving God Liberality: Lack of Brings Many a Curse Liberality: People of Melita (Malta) to Paul Liberality: Pharaoh to Joseph's People Liberality: Queen of Sheba to Solomon Liberality: should be Exercised in Forwarding Missions Liberality: should be Exercised in Giving Alms Liberality: should be Exercised in Leading to Those in Want Liberality: should be Exercised in Relieving the Destitute Liberality: should be Exercised in Rendering Personal Services Liberality: should be Exercised in the Service of God Liberality: should be Exercised with Simplicity Liberality: should be Exercised without Ostentation Liberality: should be Exercised: Abundantly Liberality: should be Exercised: According to Ability Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward all Men Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Enemies Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Saints Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Servants Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Strangers Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward the Poor Liberality: should be Exercised: Willingly Liberality: The Good Samaritan Liberality: The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Liberality: Unprofitable, Without Love Related Terms Instrumentality (5 Occurrences) |
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