The name Artaxerxes (אַרְתַּחְשַׁסְתְּא, from Old Persian Artaxšaçā, 'whose reign is through truth') refers to Persian kings who played pivotal roles in restoring Israel after the Babylonian exile. Artaxerxes I Longimanus (465–424 BC) issued decrees authorizing both Ezra (Ezra 7) and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2) to return to Jerusalem.
Artaxerxes I illustrates the biblical principle that God sovereignly directs the hearts of kings (Proverbs 21:1). His decree to Ezra authorized teaching God's law, appointing judges, and temple worship throughout the empire. Nehemiah's conversation with the king shows God opening doors through relationship. Many scholars identify the decree of Artaxerxes (457 or 444 BC) as the starting point of Daniel's '70 weeks' prophecy (Daniel 9:25), making this king a key figure in Messianic chronology.