The period of opposition under the Persian kings Xerxes and Artaxerxes is a significant era in the history of the Jewish people, particularly during the time of the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple. This period is documented in the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which provide insight into the challenges faced by the Jewish exiles returning from Babylonian captivity.

Xerxes (Ahasuerus)

Xerxes I, known in the Bible as Ahasuerus, reigned from 486 to 465 BC. Although the Book of Ezra does not detail specific opposition during his reign, it is important to note that Xerxes is the same king who features prominently in the Book of Esther. During his reign, the Jewish people faced a significant threat from Haman, an official who sought to annihilate the Jewish population throughout the Persian Empire. Esther, a Jewish queen, and her cousin Mordecai played crucial roles in thwarting this plan, as recorded in Esther 4:14 : "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

Artaxerxes I

Artaxerxes I reigned from 465 to 424 BC and is prominently featured in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. During his reign, the Jewish people faced significant opposition from surrounding peoples as they attempted to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore the Temple.

In the Book of Ezra, adversaries of Judah and Benjamin wrote accusations against the inhabitants of Jerusalem to Artaxerxes, seeking to halt the rebuilding efforts. Ezra 4:21 records the king's response: "Now issue an order for these men to stop work, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order." This decree temporarily halted the construction, demonstrating the influence of opposition against the Jewish people.

However, Artaxerxes later showed favor to the Jews, allowing Nehemiah, his cupbearer, to return to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding of the city's walls. Nehemiah 2:8 states, "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." This support was crucial in overcoming the opposition and completing the construction.

Opposition and Challenges

The opposition faced by the Jewish people during this period was multifaceted. Local governors and officials, such as Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, actively sought to undermine the rebuilding efforts. Nehemiah 4:1-3 describes their mockery and attempts to discourage the builders: "When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious and mocked the Jews. ... Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, 'Even if a fox were to climb up on it, he would break down their wall of stones!'"

Despite these challenges, the Jewish people, under the leadership of Nehemiah, demonstrated resilience and faith. They continued the work with prayer and vigilance, as Nehemiah 4:9 records: "So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night."

The opposition under Xerxes and Artaxerxes highlights the persistent challenges faced by the Jewish people in their efforts to restore their homeland and worship. Through divine providence and steadfast leadership, they overcame these obstacles, fulfilling God's promises to His people.