The historical and biblical narrative of the Kings of Media and Persia is a significant aspect of the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the exilic and post-exilic periods of Israel's history. The Medo-Persian Empire, a dominant force in the ancient Near East, played a crucial role in the fulfillment of biblical prophecy and the restoration of the Jewish people to their homeland.

Cyrus the Great

Cyrus II, commonly known as Cyrus the Great, is one of the most prominent figures in the biblical account of the Persian Empire. He is mentioned in several books of the Bible, including Isaiah, Daniel, and Ezra. Isaiah prophesied about Cyrus long before his birth, referring to him as the Lord's "anointed" who would facilitate the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple (Isaiah 45:1-13). This prophecy underscores the sovereignty of God in using a pagan king to accomplish His divine purposes.

Cyrus's decree, as recorded in Ezra 1:1-4 , allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, marking a pivotal moment in Jewish history. This decree fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah concerning the seventy years of Babylonian captivity (Jeremiah 29:10).

Darius the Mede

Darius the Mede is a somewhat enigmatic figure mentioned in the Book of Daniel. According to Daniel 5:31 , Darius received the kingdom after the fall of Babylon. His reign is noted for the famous incident involving Daniel in the lions' den, as recorded in Daniel 6. Darius's decree, which acknowledged the power of Daniel's God, further illustrates the theme of God's sovereignty over the rulers of the earth.

Darius I (Darius the Great)

Darius I, also known as Darius the Great, is another significant Persian king mentioned in the Bible. His reign is noted for the continuation of the rebuilding efforts of the Jerusalem Temple, which had been halted due to opposition. In response to a letter from the Jewish leaders, Darius issued a decree that not only allowed the work to continue but also provided resources for its completion (Ezra 6:1-12). This decree highlights the providential care of God in ensuring the restoration of His people and their worship.

Xerxes I (Ahasuerus)

Xerxes I, identified as Ahasuerus in the Book of Esther, is a key figure in the narrative of Esther. His reign is marked by the dramatic events that led to the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them. Esther, a Jewish queen, and her cousin Mordecai played crucial roles in this deliverance, as recorded in Esther 4-9 . The festival of Purim, established to commemorate this deliverance, is still celebrated by Jews today.

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 favorable treatment of the Jewish people, allowing Ezra to lead a group of exiles back to Jerusalem and providing Nehemiah with the authority and resources to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Ezra 7:11-28, Nehemiah 2:1-8). Artaxerxes's support for these leaders underscores the theme of God's provision and faithfulness to His covenant people.

The kings of Media and Persia, as depicted in the Bible, serve as instruments in the divine narrative, fulfilling God's promises and purposes for His people. Their interactions with the Jewish exiles highlight the overarching biblical theme of God's sovereignty and faithfulness throughout history.