Neh 2:5 | TNotes | STEP | 2:5 send me to Judah to rebuild the city: Artaxerxes’ openness to this proposal seems surprising in light of Jerusalem’s history of rebellions against Persia (Ezra 4:17-23 ). The king might have viewed Nehemiah’s plan as a way to solidify his own control over a troubled area of his empire.

bEzra 4:17-23►

‏ Nehemiah 2:5

2:5 ^a send me to Judah to rebuild the city: Artaxerxes’ openness to this proposal seems surprising in light of Jerusalem’s history of rebellions against Persia (Ezra 4:17-23 ^b). The king might have viewed Nehemiah’s plan as a way to solidify his own control over a troubled area of his empire.