The Medo-Persian Kingdom, often referred to as the Achaemenid Empire, was a significant power in the ancient Near East, known for its vast expanse and cultural influence. This empire is frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the books of Daniel, Esther, and Ezra, where its kings are depicted as influential figures in the history of Israel.

Cyrus the Great

Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire, is one of the most notable kings mentioned in the Bible. He is celebrated for his decree that allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This act is recorded in Ezra 1:1-2 : "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.'"

Darius the Great

Darius I, known as Darius the Great, is another prominent Persian king. His reign is marked by administrative genius and the expansion of the empire. In the biblical narrative, Darius is known for his role in the account of Daniel in the lions' den. Daniel 6:25-27 records Darius's decree after witnessing Daniel's miraculous deliverance: "Then King Darius wrote to the people of every nation and language throughout the land: 'May your prosperity abound. I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom, men are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end.'"

Xerxes I (Ahasuerus)

Xerxes I, known in the Bible as Ahasuerus, is a central figure in the Book of Esther. His reign is characterized by opulence and grand feasts, as depicted in Esther 1:3-4 : "In the third year of his reign, Xerxes held a feast for all his officials and servants. The military leaders of Persia and Media, the princes, and the nobles of the provinces were present as he displayed the glorious wealth of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness for a full 180 days." The narrative of Esther unfolds during his reign, highlighting themes of providence and deliverance for the Jewish people.

Artaxerxes I

Artaxerxes I is another Persian king mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. He is known for his support of the Jewish community, allowing Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls. Nehemiah 2:8 notes Artaxerxes's favor: "And may I have a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the house I will occupy.” And the king granted my requests, according to the good hand of my God upon me."

The Medo-Persian kings are depicted in the Bible as instruments of God's plan, used to fulfill His purposes for His people. Their reigns are marked by significant interactions with the Jewish community, often characterized by acts of kindness and support, which were instrumental in the restoration and preservation of Israel during the post-exilic period.Esther 1:3,5,7
In the third year of his reign, he made a feast to all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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