Topical Encyclopedia The Letters of Artaxerxes to Nehemiah are significant documents mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Nehemiah. These letters were issued by King Artaxerxes I of Persia, who reigned from 465 to 424 BC, and they played a crucial role in the restoration of Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile.Historical Context The historical backdrop of these letters is the period after the Babylonian exile, when the Persian Empire had taken control of Babylon and its territories. The Jewish people, who had been exiled to Babylon, were allowed to return to their homeland under the edict of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire. However, the city of Jerusalem and its walls remained in ruins, leaving the inhabitants vulnerable to external threats. Nehemiah's Role Nehemiah, a Jewish cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, was deeply troubled by the reports of Jerusalem's desolation. His position in the Persian court afforded him a unique opportunity to seek the king's favor. Nehemiah's request to Artaxerxes was not only for permission to return to Jerusalem but also for the resources necessary to rebuild the city's walls. The Letters The Book of Nehemiah records the issuance of these letters in Nehemiah 2:7-8 : "I also said to the king, 'If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors beyond the River, so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah. 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 because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests." These letters served two primary purposes: 1. Safe Passage: The first letter was addressed to the governors of the provinces beyond the Euphrates River, ensuring Nehemiah's safe travel to Judah. This was crucial, as the journey from Susa, the Persian capital, to Jerusalem was long and fraught with potential dangers. 2. Provision of Materials: The second letter was directed to Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest, authorizing him to provide Nehemiah with the timber needed for the reconstruction efforts. This included materials for the gates of the citadel, the city wall, and Nehemiah's own residence. Significance The letters from Artaxerxes were instrumental in the successful rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, a project that Nehemiah completed in a remarkable 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15). This accomplishment not only fortified the city physically but also served as a catalyst for spiritual and social renewal among the Jewish people. The support of Artaxerxes, a pagan king, highlights the providential hand of God in the affairs of His people. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and favor, as God used a foreign ruler to fulfill His purposes for Israel. The letters also exemplify the importance of godly leadership, as Nehemiah's faith, wisdom, and courage were pivotal in mobilizing the people and overcoming opposition. In summary, the Letters of Artaxerxes to Nehemiah are a testament to God's faithfulness and the power of prayerful, strategic action in the face of daunting challenges. They remind believers of the importance of seeking God's guidance and trusting in His provision, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. Nave's Topical Index Nehemiah 2:7-9Moreover I said to the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah; Nave's Topical Index Library Nehemiah's Answer to a Call for Help There was at that Time at Babylon one Nehemiah... The Prophet Nehemiah A Man of Opportunity The Restoration. The Manner in which Josephus Mentions the Divine Books. Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. Books of the Hebrew Canon. The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Resources What are the Pastoral Epistles? | GotQuestions.orgAre the “angels” of the churches in Revelation 1-3 real angels, or are they human messengers? | GotQuestions.org Who was Ignatius of Antioch? | GotQuestions.org Letters: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Letters of Artaxerxes to Nehemiah Letters: Claudius Lysias to Felix Letters: King of Babylon to Hezekiah Letters: King of Syria to King of Israel Letters: Letters of Intercession by Paul and Philemon on Behalf of Onesimus Letters: Luke to Theophilus (The Books of Luke and Acts) Letters: Open Letter from Sanballat to Nehemiah Letters: Rabshakeh to Hezekiah Letters: Sennacherib to Hezekiah Letters: Written by David to Joab Related Terms Trans-euphrates (12 Occurrences) |
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