Israel’s powerful enemies to the east wanted the Jews to learn the Law of Moses. They wanted to allow them to go home. Much of this is due to Jeremiah the prophet, who knew how to proclaim his message and how to interact with people in authority. Jeremiah was an asset when it came to the installation of the new King Artaxerxes I.
“He was surnamed in Greek Macrocheir (“Longhand”) and in Latin Longimanus. A younger son of Xerxes I and Amestris, he was raised to the throne by the commander of the guard, Artabanus, who had murdered Xerxes. A few months later, Artaxerxes slew Artabanus in a hand-to-hand fight. His reign, though generally peaceful, was disturbed by several insurrections, the first of which was the revolt of his brother the satrap of Bactria.
Artaxerxes gave Nehemiah, the royal cupbearer and confidant, permission to go to Jerusalem, which was then a subdivision of the Persian government. The king also provided an escort and wrote letters to governors of provinces through which Nehemiah would pass, giving the cupbearer the authority to receive supplies from the governors.
Artaxerxes is the king whom Nehemiah prayed for and prayed over as he considered requesting that he be able to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the temple. Artaxerxes said, “Yes.”
“Nehemiah was a high official at Artaxerxes I’s court, said to be his cupbearer – who was distressed that Jerusalem’s walls were in ruin and the city was left with no defenses. Artaxerxes I appointed Nehemiah as Governor of Judea and sent him to personally oversee the rebuilding of the walls.” (source)
Artaxerxes I was the fifth King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire, from 465 to 424 BC. He was the third son of Xerxes I.
See here what the LORD can do, regardless of who is in power within any nation. Ponder how this impacts us as we live through times of evil leaders who speak and promote horrible actions.
Next us: The rest is even more Biblical. First Ezra. Now Nehemiah.
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Powerful. Thank you for continuing to help us learn more about the Bible.
Thank you, Melissa. This passage leads up to Messiah, and that is my aim and focus, to follow all of the steps that the Lord had His own people go through in order to prepare the way for the Lord. This timeline soothes my heart and enlightens my mind.
Yet another reminder that God uses whomever He wants to accomplish His purposes – even a pagan king who ruled over an enemy of His people.
Such an important reminder to us today as we look around us and see enemies of the gospel on every side. Nothing and no one can prevent El Elyon – the Most High God – from accomplishing His sovereign plans!
Well said, Ava! Nothing can stop what God has ordained. The entire Jewish history here points toward this reality. A pagan king is nothing next to the Lord God Almighty. As we draw closer to the days when Messiah returns and we see evil politicians all around us, this is a true fact to remember.
I was thinking that same thing, Ava! There are leaders we know are not ethical, and yet, the LORD protects us and works all things together for our good, no matter what happens during the reign of the years of that leader.
I love stories that show how God uses ordinary people to complete His works. They are so full of hope. Thanks Melinda
Aren’t those the best blessings! If the Lord can use them, He may surely choose to use us for our good and His glory!
As some others have said, God uses whomever He will to accomplish His plan and nothing and no one can thwart His purpose. But I also found this good, “Artaxerxes is the king whom Nehemiah prayed for and prayed over.” It really shows the powerful role prayer plays in our journey.
Nehemiah’s prayers made all the difference! Isn’t that great encouragement! If the LORD listens to a cupbearer’s prayers, we know He surely can and does hear our prayers as well. What enormous undertakings might we have in mind that are similar to the “risks” Nehemiah took.
“See here what the Lord can do, regardless of who is in power within any nation.” AMEN! I’ve never worried on a spiritual level about American politics or world tyrants (other than voting and doing my part to help quash evil) because I KNOW completely that God can do anything and use anyone for His good purposes. Nehemiah’s story and all that is involved is so heartening to me. Thank you for this, Melinda!
The Lord holds the heart of the king in His hands. We need to keep that in mind today in our crazy world. Thanks, Melinda. God bless!
I am teaching on Nehemiah next week at my church! Your post is very helpful. 😊
Praise the Lord, Lisa! That’s wonderful to know. I follow the Lord’s leading as He guides me to specific topics to address, so all glory and praise goes to God if this helps with your teaching on Nehemiah in any way.