Topical Encyclopedia Overview:King Darius is a significant figure in the Bible, primarily known for his role in the books of Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. He is often identified with Darius I, also known as Darius the Great, who ruled the Persian Empire from 522 to 486 BC. His reign is marked by administrative genius and the consolidation of the empire, which had a profound impact on the Jewish people during the post-exilic period. Darius in the Book of Daniel: Darius is most prominently featured in the Book of Daniel, where he is depicted as a ruler who respects Daniel and his God. In Daniel 6, Darius is tricked by his officials into signing a decree that leads to Daniel being thrown into the lions' den. The decree stated that for thirty days, no one could pray to any god or man except to the king himself. Despite his regret, Darius is bound by the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed. After God miraculously saves Daniel, Darius acknowledges the power of Daniel's God, issuing a decree that all people in his kingdom should fear and reverence the God of Daniel. The Berean Standard Bible records his words: "For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end" (Daniel 6:26). Darius in the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah: In the context of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile, Darius plays a crucial role in the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple. The Book of Ezra describes how the Jews, led by Zerubbabel, faced opposition from local adversaries who sought to halt the construction. The adversaries wrote to Darius, questioning the legitimacy of the Jews' efforts. Darius ordered a search of the royal archives, which confirmed the decree of Cyrus allowing the Jews to rebuild the temple. Consequently, Darius issued a new decree supporting the construction and providing resources for the project. Ezra 6:12 records his decree: "May God, who has caused His Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to alter this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem. I, Darius, have issued the decree. Let it be carried out with diligence." Historical Context: Darius I was a pivotal figure in the expansion and administration of the Persian Empire. His reign saw the establishment of a bureaucratic system that allowed for efficient governance across vast territories. This system included the use of satraps, or provincial governors, which is reflected in the biblical narrative of Daniel. Darius' policies of religious tolerance and support for local customs and religions facilitated the return of the Jewish exiles and the rebuilding of the temple, aligning with the biblical portrayal of his reign. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, Darius' interactions with Daniel and the Jewish people highlight God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Despite the challenges faced by His people, God uses foreign rulers like Darius to accomplish His purposes. Darius' recognition of God's power in Daniel 6 serves as a testament to the influence of God's people even in foreign lands. His support for the temple's reconstruction underscores the theme of restoration and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Conclusion: While Darius is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his role is crucial in the context of God's providential care for His people during the Persian period. His reign is a testament to the ways in which God can use even foreign rulers to fulfill His divine purposes and to protect and restore His chosen people. Subtopics King: Ceremonial Recognition of Kneeling Before King: Ceremonial Recognition of Obeisance King: Ceremonial Recognition of Prostration King: Ceremonial Recognition of Salutation to "O King, Live Forever" King: Chief officers of The Advisor King: Chief officers of The Captain of the Army King: Chief officers of The Chief of the Bodyguard King: Chief officers of The Chief Priests King: Chief officers of The Chief Ruler King: Chief officers of The Collector of Taxes King: Chief officers of The Provincial Governors King: Chief officers of The Recorder King: Chief officers of The Scribe King: Constitutional Restrictions of King: Drunkenness of, Forbidden King: Exercise Executive Clemency King: How Chosen by Divine Appointment, Saul King: How Chosen: David and the Davidic Dynasty King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: David King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Herod King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Hezekiah King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Pilate King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Saul King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Zedekiah King: Influential Queens: Bath-Sheba King: Influential Queens: Esther King: Influential Queens: Jezebel King: Profiting From: Confiscations of Property King: Subordinate officers of The Governor of the Household King: Subordinate officers of The Keeper of the Wardrobe King: Tariff on Imports, and Internal Revenue on Merchandise Select Readings: The King of Glory Vicegerency of Elisha in Condemning Gehazi Vicegerency of Elisha in Miraculously Rewarding the Shunammite Woman Related Terms Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences) Threshing-floor (36 Occurrences) |