Darius
“Restrainer, compeller, commander (from Persian root meaning 'to hold' or 'possess')”
Summary
The name of several Medo-Persian kings mentioned in Scripture, most notably Darius the Mede who received Daniel into his court and Darius Hystaspes who authorized the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple.
☩Darius the Mede
Darius the Mede, 'son of Ahasuerus of the seed of the Medes,' received the Babylonian kingdom upon the death of Belshazzar when he was sixty-two years old. He appointed Daniel to the highest dignity in the realm, making him one of three presidents over 120 satraps. When jealous officials tricked Darius into casting Daniel into the lions' den, the king spent a sleepless night fasting, then rejoiced at Daniel's miraculous deliverance and issued a decree honoring the God of Daniel throughout his dominions.
☩Darius Hystaspes
Darius the son of Hystaspes became king of Persia in 521 B.C. after overthrowing the Magian usurper Pseudo-Smerdis. He pursued the same favorable policy toward the Jews as Cyrus had done, confirming Cyrus's original decree and ordering that the temple rebuilding proceed without hindrance. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the work during his reign, and the temple was completed in his sixth year. His decree in Ezra 6 reflects his Zoroastrian background, calling Jehovah 'the God of heaven' and requesting prayers 'for the life of the king and of his sons.'
☩Darius the Persian
The 'Darius the Persian' mentioned in Nehemiah is most likely Darius II Nothus (424-405 B.C.), though some identify him with Darius III Codomannus, the last Persian king defeated by Alexander the Great. The designation 'the Persian' probably served to distinguish him from Darius the Mede.
Related Verses25 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Darius," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Darius," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Darius," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.George Morrish, "Darius," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).