Ezra 7:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Artaxerxes mentioned, under whom Ezra traveled from Babylon to Jerusalem, is believed by Josephus to be Xerxes, the successor of Darius. Additionally, the books of the Paralipomenon indicate that a descendant of this Xerxes is referred to here, whom they also designated as Artaxerxes. Darius, during whose reign the temple was constructed, ruled for thirty-six years, followed by Xerxes who ruled for twenty years. Artabanus then took the throne for seven months, though the chroniclers consider his reign as a full year. Subsequently, Artaxerxes assumed the throne and reigned for forty years.