Who was King Xerxes in the bible

King Xerxes, also known as Ahasuerus, ruled over the Persian Empire during Israel's post-Exilic period. A previous Persian king had permitted the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and commence the reconstruction of the city walls. For a more detailed account of this process, refer to the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

While some Israelites chose to remain in the Persian Empire, such as the prophet Daniel, others who stayed included Mordecai and his goddaughter Hadassah, known as Esther.

Both within and beyond the biblical narrative, insights into King Xerxes' reign are revealed.

Many scholars of the Bible suggest that the events of the book of Esther unfolded shortly after Xerxes/Ahasuerus suffered a defeat at the hands of a combined Greek naval force in the battle of Salamis in 480 BC. With his primary source of military support and supplies from across the Aegean Sea obliterated, and facing internal unrest in Persia, Xerxes returned to quell the rebellion, leaving his remaining troops in Greece under subordinate leaders, who were later defeated in the battle of Plataea in 479 BC.

Despite his failed Greek campaign, Xerxes/Ahasuerus still governed the largest empire of that era and shifted his focus back to his realm. The book of Esther opens with Ahasuerus constructing a new palace in Susa/Shushan and hosting a lavish celebration to inaugurate the palace. During the festivities, he sought to showcase his beautiful wife, Queen Vashti, who refused to appear. Enraged by her defiance, Ahasuerus was convinced to depose Vashti and choose a new queen. A kingdom-wide quest for the most beautiful women ensued, and a Hebrew woman named Hadassah, under the guidance of her uncle Mordecai, reached the final selection stage without disclosing her Hebrew heritage. Ultimately, she was crowned queen by Ahasuerus, receiving the Persian name 'Ishtar' (meaning 'Star'), which was transliterated in Hebrew as "Esther."