jan 1, 408 BC - Johanan in Elephantine Papyri Nehemiah 12

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Johanan in Elephantine Papyri
Johanan ben Jehoiada, also known as Eliashib, served as high priest during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. He is mentioned in one of the Elephantine papyri of 408 B.C.E., where he opposed the construction of the Elephantine Temple and was involved in a dispute with his brother Jeshua. This dispute led to the punishment of Johanan by the Persian governor Bagoas. The Elephantine papyri provide valuable insights into the Jewish community's activities and interactions during the Persian period.

Persian Governor Bagoas
Bagoas, a Persian governor, was a significant figure in the Achaemenid Empire. He served as the vizier to Artaxerxes III and rose to power by allying with Mentor of Rhodes. Bagoas was known for his wealth and influence, having confiscated sacred writings from Egyptian temples and selling them back to the priests for large bribes. He played a crucial role in the conquest of Egypt and was the commander in chief of the Achaemenid forces. Bagoas's power was so great that he became the real master of the Empire, with Artaxerxes III doing nothing without his advice. However, Bagoas's power was not without its consequences, as he was responsible for the deaths of Artaxerxes III and his sons, Arses, and later Darius III. His actions were driven by a desire for power and control, leading to a series of murders and the eventual downfall of the Achaemenid Empire.


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Neh 12

22 The family heads of the Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan and Jaddua, as well as those of the priests, were recorded in the reign of Darius the Persian. 23 The family heads among the descendants of Levi up to the time of Johanan son of Eliashib were recorded in the book of the annals. 24 And the leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, Jeshua son of Kadmiel, and their associates, who stood opposite them to give praise and thanksgiving, one section responding to the other, as prescribed by David the man of God.

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