Persia

Modern location: Iran

First named: 2 Chronicles 36:20

Nation Mesopotamia Post-Exile/Intertestamental

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The empire that conquered Babylon and, under Cyrus, issued the decree allowing exiled Jews to return and rebuild Jerusalem's temple (Ezra 1:1-4; 2 Chronicles 36:20-23). Esther became queen of Persia under Ahasuerus, and Daniel served in its administration under Darius, surviving the lions' den (Daniel 6).

References: 2 Chronicles 36:20; Ezra 1:1-4; Esther 1:1; Daniel 6

People connected to Persia

Artaxerxes (M) — its king, who sent Ezra and later Nehemiah to Jerusalem
Ezra 7:11-13; Nehemiah 2:1-8
Cyrus (M) — its king, who decreed the exiles' return to rebuild the temple
Ezra 1:1-4
Darius (M) — its king, who confirmed Cyrus's decree and funded the temple's completion
Ezra 6:1-12
Mithredath (M) — Cyrus's treasurer, who counted out the temple vessels for the return
Ezra 1:8

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