Meanwhile conditions in the Medo-Persian realm were rapidly changing. Darius Hystaspes, under whose reign the Jews had been shown marked favor, was succeeded by Xerxes the Great. It was during his reign that those of the Jews who had failed of heeding the message to flee were called upon to face a terrible crisis. Having refused to take advantage of the way of escape God had provided, now they were brought face to face with death.

I mellemtiden skete der store forandringer i det medo-persiske rige. Darius Hystaspes, der havde vist jøderne megen velvilje, blev efterfulgt af Xerxes den Store. Det var under hans regering, at der opstod en frygtelig krise for de jøder, der ikke havde efterkommet opfordringen til at flygte. De ville ikke rejse, da Gud beredte vejen for dem, og nu blev de stillet ansigt til ansigt med døden.