Media

Media was an ancient kingdom located in what is now northwestern Iran. It played a significant role in the history of the Near East and is frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of the Medo-Persian Empire. The Medes were an Indo-Iranian people who established their kingdom around the 7th century BC. The capital of Media was Ecbatana, known today as Hamadan.

In the Bible, Media is often associated with Persia, as the two nations formed a powerful alliance. The Medes are first mentioned in the context of the Assyrian Empire, which they helped to overthrow. Isaiah 13:17 prophesies, "Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, who have no regard for silver and no desire for gold." This prophecy refers to the Medes' role in the downfall of Babylon, which they accomplished in alliance with the Persians.

The Book of Daniel also references the Medes, particularly in the context of the Medo-Persian Empire. Daniel 5:28 states, "Peres: Your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians." This passage refers to the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian forces under Cyrus the Great.

Persia

Persia, known today as Iran, was an ancient empire that rose to prominence under the leadership of Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC. The Persian Empire is noted for its vast expanse, stretching from the Indus Valley in the east to the Aegean Sea in the west. The Persians are renowned for their administrative efficiency and respect for the cultures and religions of the lands they conquered.

In the Bible, Persia is most notably associated with the decree of Cyrus the Great, which allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This event is recorded in 2 Chronicles 36:23 : "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of His people among you may go up, and may the LORD their God be with them.'"

The Book of Esther is set during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia, highlighting the influence and reach of the Persian Empire. Esther 1:1 introduces the setting: "This is what happened in the days of Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush."

Medo-Persian Empire

The Medo-Persian Empire, often referred to as the Achaemenid Empire, was a significant power in the ancient world. It was established when Cyrus the Great united the Medes and Persians, creating a vast empire that became a dominant force in the Near East. The empire is frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the prophetic and historical books.

The Book of Daniel provides a symbolic representation of the Medo-Persian Empire in Daniel 8:20 : "The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia." This vision underscores the dual nature of the empire, with Media and Persia working in tandem to achieve their conquests.

The Medo-Persian Empire is also significant in biblical prophecy, as seen in the Book of Daniel, where it is depicted as the second kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a statue (Daniel 2:39): "But after you, there will arise another kingdom, inferior to yours." This kingdom is understood to be the Medo-Persian Empire, which succeeded the Babylonian Empire.

Throughout the Bible, Media and Persia are portrayed as instruments of God's divine plan, used to fulfill His purposes for His people, particularly in the context of the Jewish return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.