The Role of King Artaxerxes in Nehemiah’s Times: A Fortress of Peace and Restorer of Jerusalem
Introduction
Artaxerxes, a king of Persia who reigned from around 464 to 425 BCE, left an indelible mark on the ancient history of Jerusalem. The narrative of the biblical book of Nehemiah, which describes the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls and temple, centers around the benevolence and support of King Artaxerxes towards the Jews. This article delves into the pivotal role he played in reconstructing the city and honoring God's promise to his people.
Artaxerxes: A King of Peace and Tolerance
Artaxerxes represented a period of relative calm and tolerance in Persia. He was a son of King Xerxes I and succeeded him, earning the epithet 'Longimanus' due to the length of his right arm, a symbol of his long rule. Despite facing several insurrections, his reign is generally viewed as peaceful. His tolerance towards the Jews played a key role in the historical and religious aspects of Jerusalem’s reconstruction.
The Divisor: Babylon's Attack and Persian Decree
The history of Jerusalem's remaking is fraught with challenges. In 586 BCE, Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar II destroyed Jerusalem, leading to a 70-year exile for the Jews. Their return to Jerusalem, as decreed by Persian Emperor Cyrus the Great, spearheaded the rebuilding of the temple and city walls. The Jews returned led by figures like Zerubbabel and Haggai, who initiated the temple construction amidst opposition from neighboring peoples.
The Letter of Hateriemnaeus and Artaxerxes' Halt
Despite the initial promise of restoration, significant challenges emerged. Artaxerxes received a dissenting letter from Hateriemnaeus, a man dispatched from Lower Babylonia. The letter accused the Jews of intending to rebel and no longer plan to support the Persian taxation. Artaxerxes, perceiving a threat, immediately issued an order halting the construction of Jerusalem’s walls. This early encounter suggested a complex political atmosphere where trust and suspicion often intermingled.
Artaxerxes and Ezra: A Shift in Policy
Seven years later, the situation changed dramatically. In the seventh year of his reign, King Artaxerxes, through Ezra, a priest, renewed his commitment to the Jews. Ezra was granted the authority to bring Israelites back to Jerusalem, along with gold and silver resources. Artaxerxes also made it unlawful for anyone to exert taxes on the Jews who were engaged in the temple’s service. This turnaround in policy exemplified his genuine interest in the well-being and religious freedom of the Jewish people.
Nehemiah: A Heart Revealed
The story of Nehemiah, a trusted cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, reveals a more personal and poignant interaction. Upon noticing Nehemiah's sorrow during the king's court, Artaxerxes expressed his concern and allowed Nehemiah to seek leave for repair of Jerusalem’s walls. Nehemiah, who had a deep-seated love for his homeland, sought to rebuild not just walls but a sense of community and peace. Artaxerxes’ support was instrumental in the swift completion of the walls, which took just 52 days.
The Significance and Legacy
Artaxerxes’ actions leading to the reconstruction of the walls and the temple demonstrated not only his personal intervention but also his place in fulfilling prophetic promises. His decree aligning with Nehemiah's efforts aligns with Daniel's "70 Weeks" prophecy, signaling the approach of the Messiah and the fulfillment of God's plan for his people.
Regardless of the controversy surrounding his identification in historical records, the contributions of Artaxerxes to the restoration of Jerusalem underscore his position as a key figure in the biblical narrative of redemption and reestablishment. His support for the Jews reflects a period of peace, tolerance, and a commitment to religious freedom, leaving a lasting impact on the ancient city's tapestry.