(e.g., Prov. 24:21), a new element has entered the Jewish community through the decree of Artaxerxes, namely, a foreign ruler who does not worship Yahweh nevertheless establishes a policy that demands obedience to Yahweh on pain of punishment. Religious and political disobedience is punished by the authority of the Persian government and with the same kinds of punishment. Jewish cooperation with Persian rule has its dangers. It is especially dangerous when