Darius, a name associated with several Persian kings in the Bible, is most notably recognized in the context of liberality through the reign of Darius the Great, also known as Darius I. His rule is marked by significant interactions with the Jewish people, particularly in the context of the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple. The liberality of Darius is evident in his support and facilitation of this monumental project, as recorded in the books of Ezra and Daniel.

Darius and the Temple Rebuilding

The most prominent display of Darius's liberality is found in the book of Ezra. After the decree of Cyrus, which initially allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, the work faced opposition and was halted. It was during the reign of Darius that the project was revived. The Jewish leaders, including Zerubbabel and Jeshua, resumed the work, and when questioned by regional authorities, they appealed to Darius for support.

Darius's response is recorded in Ezra 6:7-12 , where he not only reaffirms the decree of Cyrus but also provides resources for the construction: "Leave this work on the house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its original site. Furthermore, I hereby decree what you are to do for these Jewish elders in the construction of this house of God: The expenses are to be fully paid to these men from the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop."

Darius's decree exemplifies his liberality, as he not only permits the continuation of the work but also ensures that it is financially supported by the empire. This act of generosity underscores a respect for the religious practices of the Jewish people and a commitment to their welfare.

Darius in the Book of Daniel

In the book of Daniel, Darius the Mede is depicted as a ruler who, despite being manipulated into signing a decree that endangered Daniel, ultimately shows favor and liberality towards him. After Daniel is miraculously saved from the lions' den, Darius issues a decree acknowledging the power of Daniel's God. Daniel 6:25-27 states: "Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages in the earth: 'May your prosperity abound. I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom, men are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end.'"

This decree reflects Darius's recognition of divine authority and his willingness to honor the God of Daniel, further illustrating his liberal disposition towards the faith and practices of those under his rule.

Historical Context and Influence

Darius's liberality can be understood within the broader context of Persian policy, which often allowed for a degree of religious and cultural autonomy among subjugated peoples. This approach not only facilitated the stability of the vast Persian Empire but also fostered goodwill among its diverse populations. Darius's actions towards the Jews are consistent with this policy, demonstrating a pragmatic yet generous approach to governance.

In summary, the liberality of Darius, as depicted in the biblical narrative, highlights his role as a benefactor to the Jewish people during a critical period in their history. His support for the rebuilding of the temple and his favorable treatment of Daniel serve as enduring examples of his generous and accommodating rule.Ezra 6:7-12
Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
Nave's Topical Index

Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.
... His design was to exhibit the liberality of Cyrus and Darius towards the Jews
as a pattern for the heathen rulers of Judea in his own day. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/appendix the apocryphal books of.htm

Building in Troublous Times
... So both would have been harmed by what called itself 'liberality,' and was in reality ...
the Temple foundations is put in 536 BC; the first year of Darius was 522 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/building in troublous times.htm

How Ptolemy the Son of Lagus Took Jerusalem and Judea By
... to Alexander, when he sent an embassage to them, after he had beaten Darius in battle ...
as invited by the goodness of the soil, and by the liberality of Ptolemy. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how ptolemy the.htm

Christian Morals. Part I.
... dar'd not trust his eyes upon the fair sisters of Darius, and when ... but every day
for his payments, charity becomes pious usury, Christian liberality the most ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/christian morals part i.htm

Letter Lxxvii. To Oceanus.
... However she showed the same liberality towards the clergy and monks and virgins ... Of
these Huns Herodotus [2367] tells us that under Darius King of the Medes they ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxvii to oceanus.htm

General Index.
... Darius, decree of, to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, 326. Dark Ages, 54, 55, 60,
93, 556. ... Liberality in religious belief, sometimes danger in, 520-522. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /general index.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... and of worship; whether those laws or decrees emanate from a Darius, a Nebuchadnezzar ...
and way of worship.3. With reference to the king's liberality and gifts ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

The Iranian Conquest
... Scythian. The Iranian religions"Cyrus in Lydia and at Babylon: Cambyses
in Egypt "Darius and the organisation of the empire. ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... ear detects familiar echoes in the names of those Persians whose destinies were
for a time linked with those of Athens and Sparta in the days of Darius and of ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
... Danger, seeking, tempting God, [1009]520. Daniel and St. Paul, [1010]423. Darius
Comes, Ep. to, [1011]337; St. Augustin's letter to, [1012]527. ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm

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