Topical Bible: Persia: Artaxerxes Ii

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Topical Encyclopedia

Artaxerxes II, also known as Artaxerxes Mnemon, was a Persian king who reigned from 404 to 358 BC. He was the son of Darius II and Parysatis and succeeded his father to become the ruler of the Achaemenid Empire. His reign is noted for its internal strife and external challenges, including revolts and conflicts with Greece.

Historical Context

Artaxerxes II's reign was marked by significant internal and external challenges. The Achaemenid Empire, during his rule, faced revolts from satraps and other internal factions. One of the most notable events was the revolt led by his brother, Cyrus the Younger, who sought to seize the throne. This conflict culminated in the Battle of Cunaxa in 401 BC, where Cyrus was killed, and Artaxerxes II secured his position as king.

Biblical References

While Artaxerxes II is not directly mentioned in the Bible, the period of his reign overlaps with significant biblical events and figures. The Achaemenid Empire, under the rule of various kings, played a crucial role in the history of the Jewish people, particularly during the time of the return from the Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

The book of Nehemiah, for instance, details the efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, an endeavor that took place under the auspices of the Persian Empire. Although Nehemiah served under Artaxerxes I, the policies and influence of the Persian kings continued to impact the Jewish community during the time of Artaxerxes II.

Cultural and Religious Influence

Artaxerxes II's reign is significant for its cultural and religious policies. The Achaemenid rulers were known for their relatively tolerant approach to the diverse cultures and religions within their empire. This policy of tolerance allowed the Jewish people to practice their faith and rebuild their temple in Jerusalem, as seen in the earlier decrees of Cyrus the Great and Darius I.

Legacy

Artaxerxes II's reign, though fraught with challenges, is a testament to the resilience of the Achaemenid Empire. His ability to maintain control over a vast and diverse empire, despite internal and external pressures, speaks to the administrative and military capabilities of the Persian rulers. The period of his rule is a reminder of the complex interplay between the Persian Empire and the biblical narrative, highlighting the broader historical context in which the events of the Old Testament unfolded.

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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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Nehemiah 2:1
And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it to the king. Now I had not been beforetime 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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Library

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... of Syria, the revolt of Nectanebo II.--- The death of Artaxerxes II.--- The accession
of ... Persia and its powerlessness to resist attack: the rise of Macedonia ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of.htm

Ezra-Nehemiah
... to is not Artaxerxes I((465-424), but Artaxerxes II((404-359). ... the reigns of Xerxes
(485-465) and Artaxerxes (465-424 ... He speaks of the king of Persia (Ezra 1:1 ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/ezra-nehemiah.htm

Book 11 Footnotes
... ill in admitting those kings of Persia with whom ... death of Longimanus, without any
intention of Darius II. before Artaxerxes Mnemon, or of Ochus or Arogus, as ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 11 footnotes.htm

Fragment xvi. On the Seventy Weeks of Daniel. ...
... this happened in the twentieth year of the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia. ... the
83d Olympiad, and the 20th year of the reign of Artaxerxes himself, up ... ii. ...
/.../africanus/the writings of julius africanus/fragment xvi on the seventy.htm

On Daniel. Ii. The Interpretation by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome ...
... Part I."Exegetical. On Daniel. II. ... "There shall stand up yet three kings," he says,
"in Persia; and the ... For after Cyrus arose Darius, and then Artaxerxes. ...
/.../on daniel ii the interpretation.htm

In the Meantime, those Jews, Who, as we have Said Above...
... Book II. ... Accordingly, these took counsel to write to king Artaxerxes, that it was
not ... But, who were kings of Persia throughout this period of time, we shall ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter ix in the meantime.htm

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
... is supposed to be favored by 2 Maccabees (chapter i.10-ii.18); but ... time from the
death of Moses till the reign of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, the prophets ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter ii the old testament.htm

The Manner in which Josephus Mentions the Divine Books.
... to the death of Artaxerxes, who succeeded Xerxes as king of Persia, the prophets ...
4. From the time of Artaxerxes to our own day all the events ... Ezra 1.and II. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter x the manner in which.htm

The New Temple and Its Worship
... the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.15. ... not discuss
the chronological difficulty arising from the mention of Artaxerxes here ... II. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the new temple and its.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... CHAPTER II"THE LAST DAYS OF THE OLD EASTERN WORLD. ... revolt of Megabyzos being at an
end, Artaxerxes was free to ... of the times: at Susa and in Persia proper, the ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm