Bible Dictionaries
Artaxerxes

Holman Bible Dictionary

(ahr tuh xuhr' xeess) Persian royal name meaning, “kingdom of righteousness,” belonging to four Persian rulers and forming a major piece of evidence in dating Ezra and Nehemiah. See Ezra; Ezra 7:7 ). He had already received complaints from the inhabitants of Palestine who wanted to stop the returned exiles from rebuilding and had stopped the Jewish builders (Ezra 4:7-24 ). The Temple had been completed under Darius II (522-486) and thus before Artaxerxes (Ezra 6:15 ). Artaxerxes supported Ezra's work (Ezra 7:6-26 ). Nehemiah served as cupbearer to Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 2:1 ), and the king proved sensitive to Nehemiah's mood (Nehemiah 2:2 ). He granted Nehemiah's request to go to Judah (Nehemiah 2:5-6 ), making him governor of Judah (Nehemiah 5:14 ). 2 . Artaxerxes II ruled Persia 404 to 359 B.C. Some Bible students identify him as ruler under whom Ezra worked. 3. Artaxerxes III ruled 358-337 B.C. 4. Ruled Persia 337-336 B.C. See Persia .