Topical Bible: Temple: The Second: Artaxerxes' Favorable Action Toward

◄ Temple: The Second: Artaxerxes' Favorable Action Toward ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Second Temple, a pivotal structure in Jewish history, was initially constructed under the decree of Cyrus the Great, as recorded in the book of Ezra. However, its completion and subsequent enhancements were significantly influenced by the actions of later Persian rulers, including Artaxerxes I. Artaxerxes' favorable disposition towards the Jewish people and their religious practices played a crucial role in the restoration and fortification of the Second Temple.

Artaxerxes I and the Jewish Community

Artaxerxes I, who reigned from 465 to 424 BC, is noted for his supportive actions towards the Jewish community, particularly through his interactions with Ezra and Nehemiah. The book of Ezra details how Artaxerxes granted Ezra, a scribe and priest, the authority to lead a group of exiles back to Jerusalem. This return was not merely a physical journey but also a spiritual revival, as Ezra was tasked with teaching the Law of God to the people.

In Ezra 7:11-26, Artaxerxes issues a decree that provides Ezra with extensive powers and resources. The king's letter, as recorded in the Berean Standard Bible, states: "Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, a scribe of the Law of the God of heaven: Greetings. I hereby decree that any of the Israelites in my kingdom, including priests and Levites, who wish to go to Jerusalem with you, may go" (Ezra 7:12-13). This decree not only allowed for the safe passage of the Jewish exiles but also ensured that they had the necessary resources for worship and temple service.

Nehemiah and the Rebuilding of Jerusalem's Walls

Artaxerxes' favorable actions extended beyond Ezra to Nehemiah, a cupbearer in the king's court. Nehemiah's concern for Jerusalem's dilapidated state moved him to seek the king's permission to rebuild the city's walls. Artaxerxes' response was one of support and provision. Nehemiah 2:8 records the king's generosity: "And may I have a letter to Asaph, 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." The king granted these requests, demonstrating his commitment to the welfare of the Jewish people and their sacred sites.

Impact on the Second Temple

Artaxerxes' actions had a profound impact on the Second Temple and the Jewish community in Jerusalem. His support facilitated not only the physical restoration of the temple and the city but also the spiritual renewal of the Jewish people. The king's decrees and provisions underscored the importance of the temple as a center of worship and community life.

Through Artaxerxes' favorable actions, the Second Temple was not only preserved but also enhanced, allowing it to serve as a focal point of Jewish religious life until its destruction in AD 70. His reign exemplifies how God can use even foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes and support His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 7:11-28
Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 8:25-34
And weighed to them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellors, and his lords, and all Israel there present, had offered:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther.
... and, accordingly, the foundations of the second temple were then ... the land, the
destruction of the temple, and the ... Early in the reign of Artaxerxes, son of the ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/hebrew captives or mordecai and.htm