בעלי התפקידים בירושלים בראשית ימי הבית השני: [מתוך המדור: לפשוטו ולסדרו של מקרא]

This article examines the status of senior officials in Jerusalem during the Return to Zion period, in conjunction with evidence from Mesopotamian documents. Our analysis draws on letters and records from temple archives in Babylon, shedding light on the hierarchical structures in Jerusalem during the late biblical era. The findings reveal the significant influence of Persian rule in Judah, evidenced by a leadership comprising officials whose roles expanded over time. The study focuses on two distinct phases of leadership: the first, represented by Sheshbazzar, who served as both nasi and governor; and the second, exemplified by Nehemiah, the king’s cup bearer with substantial ties to Persian authorities, alongside Ezra, a priest-scribe.