In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans—
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that Darius, a Mede, "was made king," subtly highlighting that his authority was not seized but granted. This detail points to him being a transitional ruler, placed there by Cyrus, the actual conqueror, setting the stage for Daniel's deep understanding of the prophecies about to unfold.
In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans—
English Standard Version (ESV)
The kingdom of Babylon has just fallen, and a new ruler, Darius the Mede, has taken control. Daniel, reflecting on the prophecies of Jeremiah, realizes the seventy years of Israel's exile are coming to an end, prompting him to earnestly seek God's face for his people's restoration. This pivotal moment marks a shift from worldly empires to God's redemptive plan for Israel, with Daniel's prayer launching into a significant prophecy about the Messiah.
Who was this Darius who suddenly appears in the narrative? He wasn't just another king; his rise to power was unique, marking a significant shift in the world stage.
Daniel 9:1 introduces us to Darius the Mede, who 'was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans.' This phrasing is crucial. Scholars point out that it suggests Darius didn't take the throne by his own right, but rather that his authority was granted to him, likely by Cyrus the Great. He served as a transitional figure, ruling over the conquered Babylonian empire before Cyrus fully consolidated his own power. This highlights a period of significant political change, where ancient powers were shifting hands.
This isn't just any year; it's a pivotal moment when Daniel gains a profound understanding of God's timing. What made this year so significant?
Daniel 9:1 marks the 'first year of Darius.' This specific year is incredibly important because it's when Daniel, by studying the books (specifically the prophecies of Jeremiah), understands that the 70-year exile is drawing to a close. This realization ignites his intense prayer and sets the stage for Gabriel's revelation about the seventy weeks of years. The transition of power to Darius signals to Daniel that God's promised timeline for His people is imminent, moving them from a period of judgment to one of potential restoration.
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Daniel's prayer in chapter 9 occurs at a pivotal moment: the Babylonian exile is ending, but the full restoration promised by Jeremiah hasn't yet materialized. The installation of Darius the Mede signifies a major shift in world powers, setting the stage for God's fulfillment of His promises regarding Jerusalem's future.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar conquers Jerusalem, initiating the Babylonian exile and deporting some of the Jewish people, including the prophet Daniel, to Babylon.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon
The Babylonian Empire falls to the Medo-Persian forces. This event marks the end of Nebuchadnezzar's dynasty and the Chaldean rule.
c. 539 BC— this verse
Darius the Mede Takes the Throne
Darius the Mede, often identified with Cyaxares II, is made king over the former Babylonian realm. He reigns as a subordinate ruler under Cyrus the Great.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus Issues Edict for Jewish Return
Cyrus the Great, now the supreme ruler of the expanding Persian Empire, issues an edict allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.
This passage is the specific prophecy Daniel was studying when he understood the seventy years of captivity were nearing their end, highlighting the connection between prophecy and Daniel's prayer.
Jeremiah 29:10This verse offers God's promise to restore His people after seventy years, which Daniel pondered, fueling his prayer for the fulfillment of this promise.
2 Chronicles 36:21-23These verses describe the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy about the seventy years of desolation, setting the historical context for Daniel's prayer and God's subsequent revelation.
Ezra 1:1-4This passage shows the initial fulfillment of God's promise of return after the Babylonian captivity, initiated by Cyrus, which Daniel would have been anticipating after his prayer.
ellicottDaniel 9:1: "In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;"
IX. (1) On Darius the Mede see Excursus D. Was made king.—The phrase corresponds with “took the kingdom” (Daniel 5:31), and shows that Darius was not king by his own right, but that he received his authority from another—i.e., Cyrus.
jfbDaniel 9:1: "In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;"
CHAPTER 9Da 9:1-27. Daniel's Confession and Prayer for Jerusalem: Gabriel Comforts Him by the Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks.The world powers here recede from view; Israel, and the salvation by Messiah promised to it, are the subject of revelation. Israel had naturally expected salvation at the end of the captivity. Daniel is therefore told, that, after t…
The verse emphasizes that Darius, a Mede, "was made king," subtly highlighting that his authority was not seized but granted. This detail points to him being a transitional ruler, placed there by Cyrus, the actual conqueror, setting the stage for Daniel's deep understanding of the prophecies about to unfold.
The kingdom of Babylon has just fallen, and a new ruler, Darius the Mede, has taken control. Daniel, reflecting on the prophecies of Jeremiah, realizes the seventy years of Israel's exile are coming to an end, prompting him to earnestly seek God's face for his people's restoration. This pivotal moment marks a shift from worldly empires to God's redemptive plan for Israel, with Daniel's prayer launching into a significant prophecy about the Messiah.
The kingdom of Babylon has just fallen, and a new ruler, Darius the Mede, has taken control. Daniel, reflecting on the prophecies of Jeremiah, realizes the seventy years of Israel's exile are coming to an end, prompting him to earnestly seek God's face for his people's restoration. This pivotal moment marks a shift from worldly empires to God's redemptive plan for Israel, with Daniel's prayer launching into a significant prophecy about the Messiah.
"In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans—" — The verse emphasizes that Darius, a Mede, "was made king," subtly highlighting that his authority was not seized but granted. This detail points to him being a transitional ruler, placed there by Cyr…
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Last reviewed October 2026