Daniel 9:1
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)
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While it identifies Darius as "Mede" and "over the realm of the Chaldeans," the key detail is that he "was made king." This phrase subtly points out that Darius didn't take the throne by his own power but received it from Cyrus, hinting at the shifting political landscape and the divine hand orchestrating events behind the scenes.
The chapter opens with Daniel, a seasoned prophet, reflecting on the seventy years of exile for his people that are nearing their end. He understands this from his study of Jeremiah's prophecies, but seeing no outward signs of restoration, he is deeply troubled. This sets the stage for his profound prayer and the angelic revelation that follows.
Daniel names a new king, but the description is a little unusual. Who was this Darius, and why is his title so specific?
Daniel 9:1 introduces us to Darius, the Mede. Historical and biblical scholars generally agree this isn't the famous Darius the Great of Persia, but a ruler known as Cyaxares II, who was indeed a Mede.
What connects ancient scrolls, a precise number of years, and Daniel's deep emotional state?
The introduction of Darius in verse 1 is immediately followed by Daniel's action in verse 2: 'In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.'
This verse marks a pivotal moment: the transition from Babylonian to Medo-Persian rule, occurring precisely as Daniel calculates the end of the 70-year exile prophesied by Jeremiah. The 'first year of Darius' is the backdrop for Daniel's intense prayer for Jerusalem's restoration.
605 BC
First Deportation of Judean Exiles
Nebuchadnezzar's forces capture Jerusalem, and Daniel, along with other young nobles, is among the first group of exiles taken to Babylon.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar, destroy Jerusalem and its sacred Temple, leading to a further, larger deportation of Judeans.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians
The Babylonian empire, weakened and decadent, falls to the combined forces of the Medes and Persians, led by Cyrus the Great.
c. 539 BC— this verse
Darius the Mede Ascends the Throne
Cyrus the Great installs his uncle, known in the Bible as Darius the Mede (likely Cyaxares II), as the ruler over the conquered Babylonian realm.
This passage directly foretells the seventy years of Babylonian captivity that Daniel is meditating on in this chapter. Daniel's understanding of this prophecy is what prompts his prayer.
Jeremiah 29:10This verse specifically speaks of the Lord fulfilling His word by bringing the exiles back to Jerusalem after the seventy years are completed, a key point of Daniel's prayer in this chapter.
Ezra 1:1This verse marks the beginning of the fulfillment of the seventy-year prophecy, as Cyrus the Great issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem, a direct answer to Daniel's prayer.
Daniel 5:31This verse describes the fall of Babylon to Darius the Mede, setting the stage for Darius's reign and the context in which Daniel begins his prayer and receives the prophecy of the seventy weeks.
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…
While it identifies Darius as "Mede" and "over the realm of the Chaldeans," the key detail is that he "was made king." This phrase subtly points out that Darius didn't take the throne by his own power but received it from Cyrus, hinting at the shifting political landscape and the divine hand orchestrating events behind the scenes.
The chapter opens with Daniel, a seasoned prophet, reflecting on the seventy years of exile for his people that are nearing their end. He understands this from his study of Jeremiah's prophecies, but seeing no outward signs of restoration, he is deeply troubled. This sets the stage for his profound prayer and the angelic revelation that follows.
The chapter opens with Daniel, a seasoned prophet, reflecting on the seventy years of exile for his people that are nearing their end. He understands this from his study of Jeremiah's prophecies, but seeing no outward signs of restoration, he is deeply troubled. This sets the stage for his profound prayer and the angelic revelation that follows.
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c. 538 BC
Cyrus Permits Jewish Return
The year after Darius the Mede takes control of Babylon, Cyrus the Great issues his famous decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Judah and rebuild their Temple.
"In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans—" — While it identifies Darius as "Mede" and "over the realm of the Chaldeans," the key detail is that he "was made king." This phrase subtly points out that Darius didn't take the throne by his own powe…
