province Trans-Euphrates. Judah was situated close to Egypt and was therefore an important buffer state. From a political viewpoint it is clear that friendly relations between the Persian king and the Jews were expedient. In the light of this political situation the attitude of Artaxerxes toward Nehemiah must be understood. 1 The words of Nehemiah. It is uncertain whether this superscription is to be regarded as the work of the final editor. One thing is clear, however—this superscription describes