The Persian Kings of Ezra’s Day

Name

Date of Reign

Relationship to Israel

Cyrus

559-530 B.C

Conquered Babylon. Established a policy of returning exiles to their homelands. Sent Zerubbabel to Jerusalem, financed his project, and returned the gold and silver articles that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the Temple. He probably knew Daniel.

Darius

522-486 B.C

Supported construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Xerxes (Ahasuerus)

486-465 B.C

Was Esther's husband. Allowed the Jews to protect themselves against Haman's attempt to eliminate their people.

Artaxerxes I

465-424 B.C

Had Nehemiah as his cup-bearer. Allowed both Ezra and Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem.