Topical Bible: Rulers: Wicked: Darius, in Deifying Himself

◄ Rulers: Wicked: Darius, in Deifying Himself ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Darius, often identified as Darius the Mede, is a figure mentioned in the Book of Daniel, particularly in the context of the narrative involving Daniel in the lions' den. While the historical identity of Darius the Mede is debated among scholars, the biblical account provides insight into his reign and actions, particularly in relation to the deification of rulers.

Biblical Account:

In the Book of Daniel, Darius is portrayed as a ruler who, influenced by his officials, unwittingly participates in an act of self-deification. The narrative unfolds in Daniel 6, where Darius is persuaded by his administrators and satraps to establish a royal statute and enforce a decree that for thirty days, anyone who petitions any god or man other than Darius himself shall be cast into the den of lions. This decree effectively elevates Darius to a divine status, as it demands exclusive worship and supplication to him alone during this period.

The Berean Standard Bible captures this event in Daniel 6:7-9: "All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days, anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions. Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed, in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed. Therefore King Darius signed the written decree."

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the actions of Darius, as influenced by his officials, reflect a common theme in Scripture regarding the pride and hubris of earthly rulers who seek to elevate themselves to divine status. This act of deification is seen as a direct challenge to the sovereignty of the one true God, a recurring motif in the biblical narrative where human pride leads to downfall.

The decree not only places Darius in a position of divine authority but also tests the faithfulness of God's servants, as seen in the case of Daniel. Daniel's refusal to comply with the decree, choosing instead to continue his practice of praying to God, results in his being cast into the lions' den. This act of defiance against the deification of Darius underscores the biblical principle that allegiance to God supersedes all earthly authority.

Historical Context:

The historical context of Darius' reign, as depicted in the Book of Daniel, aligns with the broader Near Eastern practice of ruler worship, where kings were often regarded as divine or semi-divine figures. This practice was prevalent in various ancient cultures, including the Medo-Persian Empire, where rulers were sometimes venerated as gods or representatives of the divine.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

The account of Darius and the decree serves as a moral and ethical lesson on the dangers of pride and the consequences of elevating human authority above divine command. It highlights the importance of steadfastness in faith and the courage to resist ungodly decrees, even in the face of severe consequences.

In summary, the narrative of Darius in the Book of Daniel provides a poignant example of the wickedness associated with self-deification and the enduring truth of God's sovereignty over all earthly powers.

Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 6:7,9
All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of you, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
Nave's Topical Index