Imaginations of Persian Power and Kingship in 1 Esdras: Ancient Jewish Memories of Achaemenid Persia 2

Maximilian Häberlein

doi:10.5508/jhs29771

Authors

Maximilian Häberlein University of Würzburg https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7272-4193

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5508/jhs29771

Keywords:

Persian court, 1 Esdras, Achaemenids, Kingship, Zerubbabel

Abstract

In this paper, the Story of the Three Bodyguards in 1 Esdras 3–4 is related to Persian royal power and rule as imagined in this Hellenistic-period rewriting. First, the presentation of the court is evaluated regarding Hellenistic and Persian elements. The speeches by the first two bodyguards on wine and the king are then read in the context of the book. All three speeches are shown as reflecting the complexities and ambiguities of imperial power and kingship and Judean positions towards it.

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