Persia
Overview
- Type: Empire
- Testament: Old
- Modern Location: Centered in modern Iran, extending across the ancient Near East
Biblical Significance
Persia was the imperial power that conquered Babylon and allowed the Jewish exiles to return. Under Cyrus, the first return began; under Darius I, the temple rebuilding was confirmed; under Artaxerxes, Ezra and Nehemiah received royal authorization for reform and rebuilding.
The book of Esther shows Jewish life in the Persian diaspora, especially at Shushan, where providence preserved the people even far from Jerusalem.
Key Events
- Cyrus’s Decree - Return and temple rebuilding authorized
- Darius Confirms - Darius confirms the earlier decree
- Ezra’s Arrival - Ezra receives royal support
- Royal Commission - Nehemiah receives permission to rebuild
- Genocide Decree - Haman’s empire-wide order
- Deliverance - Counter-decree preserves the Jews
Key People Associated
Important Verses
- Ezra 1:1-2
- Ezra 6:14
- Esther 1:1-3
Cross-References
Notes
Persia’s policy of restoration becomes one of the main providential means by which the post-exilic community returns, rebuilds, and survives.