Topical Bible: Persia: Darius

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Darius is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Persian Empire's influence over the Jewish people during the post-exilic period. The name "Darius" is associated with several Persian rulers, but the most prominent in the biblical context is Darius I, also known as Darius the Great, who reigned from 522 to 486 BC.

Darius I and the Jewish People

Darius I is noted for his role in the continuation and support of the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. After the Babylonian exile, the Jewish people returned to their homeland under the decree of Cyrus the Great, but the construction of the Temple faced opposition and delays. It was during the reign of Darius I that the work resumed and was eventually completed.

The Book of Ezra provides a detailed account of Darius's involvement. When adversaries of Judah and Benjamin sought to halt the rebuilding efforts, they wrote to Darius, questioning the legitimacy of the Jews' actions. In response, Darius ordered a search of the royal archives, which confirmed Cyrus's original decree allowing the reconstruction. Darius then issued his own decree, not only permitting the continuation of the work but also providing resources for its completion. Ezra 6:7-8 records his directive: "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. Moreover, 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 and the Prophets

The reign of Darius I is also significant in the context of the prophetic ministry of Haggai and Zechariah. These prophets played a crucial role in encouraging the Jewish people to resume and complete the Temple's construction. Haggai 1:1 states, "In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest." Their messages were instrumental in motivating the people to prioritize the rebuilding of the Temple, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God and the restoration of proper worship.

Darius the Mede

In addition to Darius I, the Book of Daniel mentions another figure known as Darius the Mede. This Darius is described as taking over the kingdom after the fall of Babylon, as seen in Daniel 5:31 : "And Darius the Mede received the kingdom at the age of sixty-two." The identity of Darius the Mede has been the subject of much scholarly debate, with some suggesting he may be a different ruler or a governor under Cyrus. In the narrative of Daniel, Darius the Mede is known for his decree that led to Daniel being thrown into the lions' den, an event that demonstrated God's protection and power.

Legacy and Influence

Darius I's reign is marked by administrative efficiency and the expansion of the Persian Empire. His policies of tolerance and support for local customs and religions, including the Jewish faith, reflect a broader strategy of governance that allowed diverse cultures to coexist under Persian rule. This approach facilitated the Jewish community's restoration and religious practices, setting the stage for the Second Temple period.

Darius's impact on the Jewish people and their history is a testament to the providential role of foreign rulers in the fulfillment of God's purposes, as seen throughout the biblical narrative. His reign is a reminder of the intricate interplay between divine sovereignty and human authority in the unfolding of biblical history.

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Daniel 5:31
And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about three score and two years old.
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Daniel 6:1
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;
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Daniel 9:1
In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;
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Library

The Return of Xerxes to Persia.
... [Illustration: THE RETURN OF XERXES TO PERSIA.]. ... He had three sons who might be
considered as heirs to his throne"Darius, Hystaspes, and Artaxerxes. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter xii the return of.htm

Smerdis the Magian.
... His father, Hystaspes, was at that time the governor of the province of Persia,
and Darius had been residing with him in that country. ...
/.../abbott/darius the great/chapter iii smerdis the magian.htm

Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ...
... and when he was dead, it came to Baltasar, [23] who by the Babylonians was called
Naboandelus; against him did Cyrus, the king of Persia, and Darius, the king ...
/.../the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 concerning nebuchadnezzar and.htm

In the Meantime, those Jews, Who, as we have Said Above...
... of by the king, the building of the city was put a stop to, and delayed until the
second year of Darius the king. But, who were kings of Persia throughout this ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter ix in the meantime.htm

The Accession of Darius.
... DARIUS, SON OF HYSTASPES, OBTAINED THE SOVEREIGNTY OF PERSIA BY THE SAGACITY OF
HIS HORSE AND THE INGENIOUS CONTRIVANCE OF OEBASES HIS GROOM. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter iv the accession of.htm

Alexander.
... He then hunted Darius into the mountain parts of the north of Persia, and after
two more victories, the Greeks found the poor Persian king dying on the ground ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xv alexander.htm

How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ...
... 1. Upon the death of Darius, Xerxes his son took the kingdom, who, as he ... again to
Jerusalem, and to their own land, and had obliged the kings of Persia to have ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how xerxes the.htm

Of the Persecutions in Persia and of them that were Martyred There ...
... name of the Grandfather of Cambyses, father of Cyrus, and also of a son of Darius,
son of Hystaspes. Hence the Ach??menid?? were the noblest stock of Persia. ...
/.../chapter xxxviii of the persecutions in.htm

How after the Death of Cambyses and the Slaughter of the Magi but ...
... they every one departed to go to bed at their own houses, and Darius the king ... morning
he sent for his great men, his princes, and toparchs of Persia and Media ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how after the.htm

Building in Troublous Times
... 5. And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days
of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.'"Ezra ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/building in troublous times.htm