Topical Encyclopedia The Daric was a gold coin used during the Persian Empire, prominently mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. The term "Daric" is derived from Darius I of Persia, under whose reign the coin was introduced. The Daric played a significant role in the economic and political landscape of the ancient Near East, including the regions inhabited by the Israelites after their return from Babylonian exile.Biblical References: The Daric is specifically mentioned in the Old Testament in the context of the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. In 1 Chronicles 29:7, the Daric is referenced as a unit of currency used by the Israelites to contribute to the construction of the Temple: "They gave for the service of the house of God five thousand talents and ten thousand darics of gold, ten thousand talents of silver, eighteen thousand talents of bronze, and one hundred thousand talents of iron." Additionally, in Ezra 2:69, the Daric is mentioned in the context of the contributions made by the exiles for the rebuilding of the Temple: "According to their ability, they gave to the treasury for this work sixty-one thousand darics of gold, five thousand minas of silver, and one hundred priestly garments." Historical and Cultural Context: The Daric was a high-value coin, made of gold, and was widely recognized for its purity and weight, approximately 8.4 grams. It featured the image of a Persian king, often believed to be Darius I, holding a bow and a spear, symbolizing the power and reach of the Persian Empire. The introduction of the Daric standardized currency across the empire, facilitating trade and commerce. The use of the Daric by the Israelites highlights the influence of Persian administration and economy on the Jewish community during the post-exilic period. The coin's presence in the biblical narrative underscores the integration of the Jewish people into the broader economic systems of their time, while also reflecting their efforts to restore their religious and cultural identity through the rebuilding of the Temple. Theological Significance: The mention of the Daric in the Bible, particularly in the context of contributions to the Temple, emphasizes the importance of communal effort and sacrifice in the worship and service of God. The willingness of the Israelites to give generously, as recorded in the Scriptures, reflects their dedication to the restoration of their spiritual heritage and their commitment to honoring God with their resources. The use of the Daric also illustrates the providence of God in providing the necessary means for His people to accomplish His purposes, even through the resources of a foreign empire. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to use diverse means to fulfill His divine plans for His people. Smith's Bible Dictionary Daric(from dara , a king), Authorized Version "dram," (1 Chronicles 29:7; Ezra 2:69; 8:27; Nehemiah 7:70,71,72) a gold coin current in Palestine in the period after the return from Babylon. It weighed 128 grains, and was worth about five dollars. At these times there was no large issue of gold money except by the Persian kings. The darics which have been discovered are thick pieces of pure hold, of archaic style, bearing on the obverse the figure of a king with bow and javelin or bow and dagger, and on the reverse an irregular incuse square. The silver daric was worth about fifty cents. Easton's Bible Dictionary In the Revised Version of 1 Chronicles 29:7; Ezra 2:69; 8:27; Nehemiah 7:70-72, where the Authorized Version has "dram." It is the rendering of the Hebrew darkemon and the Greek dareikos. It was a gold coin, bearing the figure of a Persian King with his crown and armed with bow and arrow. It was current among the Jews after their return from Babylon, i.e., while under the Persian domination. It weighed about 128 grains troy, and was of the value of about one guinea or rather more of our money. It is the first coin mentioned in Scripture, and is the oldest that history makes known to us. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A gold coin of ancient Persia, weighing usually a little more than 128 grains, and bearing on one side the figure of an archer.2. (n.) A silver coin of about 86 grains, having the figure of an archer, and hence, in modern times, called a daric. 3. (n.) Any very pure gold coin. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DARICdar'-ik (darkemon, and 'adharkon; dareikos): A Persian gold coin about a guinea or five dollars in value. The first form of the word occurs in 1 Chronicles 29:7 Ezra 2:69, and Nehemiah 7:70-72; the second in Ezra 8:27 and is rendered, "dram" in the King James Version and "daric" in the Revised Version (British and American). In the passage in Chronicles, it must refer to a weight, since at the time of David there were no coins, but in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah the Persian darics were current. See MONEY. Strong's Hebrew 150. adarkon -- a drachma... Word Origin of foreign origin Definition a drachma NASB Word Usage darics (2). dram. Of Persian origin; a daric or Persian coin -- dram. 149, 150. ... /hebrew/150.htm - 5k Library History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9 The Last Days of the Old Eastern World The Iranian Conquest Thesaurus Daric... 2. (n.) A silver coin of about 86 grains, having the figure of an archer, and hence, in modern times, called a daric. 3. (n.) Any very pure gold coin. ...DARIC. ... /d/daric.htm - 8k Money (284 Occurrences) Dram Dares (6 Occurrences) Darics (5 Occurrences) Coins (13 Occurrences) Siglos Resources What are the modern equivalents of biblical weights and measures? | GotQuestions.orgDaric: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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