Topical Encyclopedia Persia, a significant empire in biblical history, is frequently mentioned in the context of its influence over the Jewish people and its role in the unfolding of God's plan. The Persian Empire, known for its vast expanse and administrative sophistication, played a pivotal role in the post-exilic period of Israel's history. The empire's governance structure included a system where princes and nobles served as advisors in matters of administration, reflecting a well-organized bureaucratic system.The Book of Daniel provides insight into the administrative structure of the Persian Empire. Daniel 6:1-2 states, "Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss." This passage highlights the hierarchical nature of Persian administration, where satraps, or provincial governors, were overseen by higher officials, ensuring efficient governance and accountability. The role of princes and advisors is further illustrated in the Book of Esther, which provides a glimpse into the inner workings of the Persian court. Esther 1:13-14 describes how King Xerxes consulted "wise men who understood the times, for it was customary for him to confer with the experts in law and justice. His closest advisors were Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to the king and ranked highest in the kingdom." These princes were not only advisors but also held significant influence in the decision-making processes of the empire. The Persian administrative system, with its reliance on advisors and princes, facilitated the implementation of royal decrees and the management of a vast and diverse empire. This structure is evident in the decree of Cyrus, king of Persia, which allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Ezra 1:1-2 records, "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing: 'This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah.'" The Persian Empire's administrative practices, including the use of princes as advisors, were instrumental in maintaining order and executing the king's policies across its territories. This system not only ensured the stability of the empire but also facilitated the fulfillment of divine purposes, as seen in the restoration of the Jewish people to their homeland. Nave's Topical Index Daniel 6:1-7It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; Nave's Topical Index Resources Who is the prince of Persia in Daniel 10? | GotQuestions.orgWhat role does Iran play in the end times? | GotQuestions.org Who was Artaxerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Medo-Persian Kingdom: Achmetha or Ecbatana a Chief City of Medo-Persian Kingdom: Babylon Taken by the King of Medo-Persian Kingdom: Celebrated for Wise Men Medo-Persian Kingdom: Divided Into Many Provinces Medo-Persian Kingdom: Extended from India to Ethiopia Medo-Persian Kingdom: Illustrated by a Bear Medo-Persian Kingdom: Illustrated by a Ram With Two Horns Medo-Persian Kingdom: Illustrated by Silver Part of Image in Nebuchadnezzar's Dream Medo-Persian Kingdom: Kings of Called Kings of Assyria Medo-Persian Kingdom: Kings of Called Kings of Babylon Medo-Persian Kingdom: Kings of Dwelt in Royal Palaces Medo-Persian Kingdom: Kings of Entertained Magnificently Medo-Persian Kingdom: Kings of Held in Their Hand a Golden Sceptre Medo-Persian Kingdom: Kings of Put to Death all Who Approached Them Without Permission Medo-Persian Kingdom: Kings of Styled Themselves King of Kings Medo-Persian Kingdom: Kings of Were Exceeding Rich Medo-Persian Kingdom: Kings of, Mentioned in Scripture: Ahasuerus or Cambyses Medo-Persian Kingdom: Kings of, Mentioned in Scripture: Artaxerxes Longimanus or Ahasuerus Medo-Persian Kingdom: Kings of, Mentioned in Scripture: Artaxerxes Smerdis (An Usurper) Medo-Persian Kingdom: Kings of, Mentioned in Scripture: Cyrus Medo-Persian Kingdom: Kings of, Mentioned in Scripture: Darius Hystaspes Medo-Persian Kingdom: Kings of, Mentioned in Scripture: Xerxes Medo-Persian Kingdom: Laws of, Unalterable Medo-Persian Kingdom: Peculiar Customs In Medo-Persian Kingdom: People of, Warlike Medo-Persian Kingdom: Peopled by Descendants of Eliam Medo-Persian Kingdom: Predictions Respecting: Conquest of Babylon Medo-Persian Kingdom: Predictions Respecting: Deliverance of the Jews Medo-Persian Kingdom: Predictions Respecting: Downfall by Alexander Medo-Persian Kingdom: Predictions Respecting: Extensive Conquest Medo-Persian Kingdom: Predictions Respecting: Invasion of Greece Under Xerxes Medo-Persian Kingdom: Ruled By, Absolute Kings Medo-Persian Kingdom: Shushan a Chief City of Medo-Persian Kingdom: The Jews Delivered from Captivity by Means of Persia: Government of, Restricted by Constitutional Limitations Persia: Men of, in the Tyrian Army Persia: Municipal Governments In, Provided With Dual Governors Persia: Status of Women In; Queen Sat on the Throne With the King Persia: The Princes Were Advisors in Matters of Administration Persia: Vashti Was Divorced for Refusing to Appear Before the King's Courtiers Related Terms |