The city of Susa, also known as Shushan, holds a significant place in biblical history, particularly in the context of the Persian Empire. Susa was one of the principal cities of the ancient world and served as a royal city of the Persian kings. It is located in the region that is now southwestern Iran. The people of Susa, therefore, were primarily Persians, but the city was also a melting pot of various cultures and ethnicities due to its political and economic importance.

Biblical References:

1. Esther and the Jews of Susa:
The Book of Esther provides the most detailed biblical account of the people of Susa. Esther, a Jewish woman, becomes queen to King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) of Persia, who ruled from Susa. The narrative describes how Esther and her cousin Mordecai, who also resided in Susa, played pivotal roles in saving the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them. The plot was orchestrated by Haman, an official in the king's court. Esther 1:2 states, "In those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa." The Jews of Susa celebrated their deliverance with the festival of Purim, which is still observed by Jews today.

2. Nehemiah:
Nehemiah, a Jewish cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I, also lived in Susa. The Book of Nehemiah begins with Nehemiah receiving news about the desolation of Jerusalem while he was in Susa. Nehemiah 1:1 records, "The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa." His position in the Persian court allowed him to gain the king's favor and permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls, demonstrating the influence and integration of Jews within the Persian society of Susa.

3. Daniel's Vision:
The prophet Daniel also had a vision while in Susa, as recorded in Daniel 8:2 : "In the vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa, in the province of Elam; in the vision I was beside the Ulai Canal." This vision, which involved a ram and a goat, symbolized future conflicts and the rise and fall of empires, including the Persian Empire itself.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Susa was a center of political power and cultural exchange. As a royal city, it was home to the opulent palaces of the Persian kings, and it played a crucial role in the administration of the vast Persian Empire. The people of Susa would have been diverse, including Persians, Medes, Elamites, and various other groups who were part of the empire. The city's strategic location made it a hub for trade and communication.

The biblical accounts of Susa highlight the interactions between the Jewish community and the broader Persian society. The narratives of Esther and Nehemiah, in particular, illustrate the providence of God in preserving His people within a foreign empire. The Jews in Susa were able to maintain their identity and faith while also engaging with the political and social structures of the time.

Religious Significance:

For conservative Christians, the accounts associated with Susa underscore themes of divine sovereignty, faithfulness, and the protection of God's people. The accounts of Esther and Nehemiah are often seen as examples of how God works through individuals to accomplish His purposes, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. The people of Susa, both Jews and non-Jews, are part of the larger biblical narrative that demonstrates God's unfolding plan for humanity.