ARTAXERXES WAS THE SAME AS AHASUERUS.
FROM “Prideaux’s Connection,” Vol. i, p. 225, we take the following:— “In the beginning of this year, Ezra obtained of King Artaxerxes, and his seven chief counselors [B. C. 457] a very ample commission for his return to Jerusalem, with all of his nation that were willing to accompany him thither, giving him full authority there to restore and settle the State, and to reform the church of the Jews, and to regulate and govern both according to their own laws. This extraordinary favor not being likely to have been obtained but by some more than ordinary means it seems to have been granted at the solicitation of Esther, who was now become the best beloved of all the king’s concubines, though not yet advanced to the dignity of queen. For it was usual for the kings of Persia, on some particular days and occasions, to allow their women to ask what boons they pleased; and upon some such time or occasion it is most likely Esther, by the direction of Mordecai, though she had not yet discovered her kindred and nation, asked this of the king.”