And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse focuses on Darius the Mede "receiving" the kingdom, a subtle but significant word choice. It suggests he didn't necessarily conquer it by force, but rather, it was passed to him, likely by Cyrus, highlighting a transition of power rather than a direct overthrow by Darius himself. This detail hints at the complex political dynamics at play during Babylon's fall.
And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The chapter ends with the dramatic fall of Babylon and the reign of a new king. After Daniel's prophecy of doom and the mysterious writing on the wall, the city is conquered, and Belshazzar is killed. Darius the Mede then takes control of the kingdom, marking a significant shift in power from the Babylonians to the Medes and Persians.
The verse says Darius 'took' the kingdom, but what does that really mean in this context? Was it a battle won or a handover?
The wording here is subtle but significant. The Hebrew verb used for 'took' (kanah) often carries the meaning of 'received' or 'acquired.' This suggests that Darius didn't necessarily conquer Babylon by force in this moment. Instead, he 'received' the kingdom, implying a transfer of power. This aligns with the historical understanding that Cyrus the Great was the primary military force behind Babylon's fall, but he allowed his uncle, Darius the Mede (often identified as Cyaxares II), to formally 'receive' the kingship of Babylon, at least initially. This highlights a complex political arrangement where titles and perceived authority could be distinct from direct military control.
Who exactly was this 'Darius the Mede'? The historical record is a bit fuzzy, but the Bible presents him as a key player.
The identity of 'Darius the Mede' has been a subject of much discussion among scholars. While not explicitly named in secular historical records in the same way as Cyrus, the Bible presents him as a distinct ruler who received the kingdom after Belshazzar. Many scholars identify him with Cyaxares II, the uncle of Cyrus the Great. This verse places him at around 62 years old, suggesting a figure of maturity and experience. His role here is crucial: he represents the transition from the Babylonian Empire to the Medo-Persian dominion. He acts as a bridge, embodying the new power that has overcome the old, even if Cyrus was the ultimate military architect of that victory.
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daryavesh · Aramaic Proper Noun
A name or title likely referring to a specific ruler who took control of Babylon; historically debated, it represents the transition of earthly kingdoms under the sovereign hand of God.
maday · Aramaic Noun/Adjective
Refers to a specific ancient people group, the Medes, who, alongside the Persians, were used by God to bring judgment upon the Babylonian Empire.
malku · Aramaic Noun
Refers to the sovereign rule, authority, or realm over which a monarch governs; in the biblical context, kingdoms are transient and ultimately subject to the Kingdom of God.
The historical context reveals 'Darius the Mede' as a figure who received the kingdom of Babylon shortly after its conquest by Cyrus. This suggests he was likely a Median ruler, possibly Cyaxares II, ruling as a subordinate or co-regent under Cyrus, a detail not immediately obvious from the text alone.
c. 620 BC
Birth of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus, the future conqueror of Babylon, is born, according to some traditions around this time. He would eventually lead the Medo-Persian forces.
c. 585 BC
Death of Cyaxares I
The Median king and grandfather of Cyrus dies. His son, Astyages, succeeds him, and later Cyrus marries Astyages' daughter.
c. 550 BC
Cyrus becomes King of Persia
Cyrus unites the Persian tribes and begins to assert his dominance, eventually leading to conflict with his Median grandfather.
550-549 BC
Cyrus overthrows Astyages
Cyrus revolts against his grandfather Astyages, the king of Media, and wins, bringing the Median kingdom under his control.
October 12, 539 BC
Babylon Falls to Cyrus
The Medo-Persian army, led by Cyrus, enters Babylon. The city surrenders with little resistance, marking the end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire.
c. 539 BC— this verse
Darius the Mede Receives the Kingdom
After Babylon's fall, Darius the Mede, identified by many scholars as Cyaxares II (uncle of Cyrus), is appointed to rule the kingdom, reportedly at around 62 years old.
c. 538-536 BC
Reign of Darius the Mede
Darius the Mede rules Babylon for a short period, during which Daniel holds a prominent position. His reign likely concludes with the consolidation of power under Cyrus.
This passage prophesies the fall of Babylon, setting the stage for the transfer of power described in Daniel 5:31.
Jeremiah 51:11Jeremiah also prophesies against Babylon, highlighting the instruments of God's judgment, which indirectly leads to the establishment of a new ruler as seen with Darius.
Daniel 6:1This verse immediately follows Daniel 5:31 and details Darius the Mede's actions as the new ruler, further illuminating the transition of power.
Daniel 9:1This verse also refers to Darius the Mede, showing his established authority and reign, which corroborates his position as king after Babylon's fall.
barnesDaniel 5:31: "And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old."
And Darius the Median took the kingdom - The city and kingdom were actually taken by Cyrus, though acting in the name and by the authority of Darius, or Cyaxares, who was his uncle. For a full explanation of the conquests of Cyrus, and of the reason why the city is said to have been taken by Darius, see the notes at Isaiah 41:2 . In regard to the question who Darius the Median was, see the Introduct…
pooleDaniel 5:31: "And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old."
There were two of this name, one called the Mede, another Darius called Persian. This in the text was he that with Cyrus besieged and took Babylon; he gave himself the name Darius, being before called Nabonnedus. He was chief in the siege, and first in the quarrel against the Chaldees.
This verse focuses on Darius the Mede "receiving" the kingdom, a subtle but significant word choice. It suggests he didn't necessarily conquer it by force, but rather, it was passed to him, likely by Cyrus, highlighting a transition of power rather than a direct overthrow by Darius himself. This detail hints at the complex political dynamics at play during Babylon's fall.
The chapter ends with the dramatic fall of Babylon and the reign of a new king. After Daniel's prophecy of doom and the mysterious writing on the wall, the city is conquered, and Belshazzar is killed. Darius the Mede then takes control of the kingdom, marking a significant shift in power from the Babylonians to the Medes and Persians.
The chapter ends with the dramatic fall of Babylon and the reign of a new king. After Daniel's prophecy of doom and the mysterious writing on the wall, the city is conquered, and Belshazzar is killed. Darius the Mede then takes control of the kingdom, marking a significant shift in power from the Babylonians to the Medes and Persians.
"And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old." — This verse focuses on Darius the Mede "receiving" the kingdom, a subtle but significant word choice. It suggests he didn't necessarily conquer it by force, but rather, it was passed to him, likely by…
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Last reviewed October 2026