This opening verse isn't just introducing a new ruler; it highlights that Darius "was made king," not that he seized power. This subtle phrasing points to him receiving his authority from another, a significant detail that shifts the focus from his own might to the larger geopolitical forces at play.
In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans— in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Babylonian Empire has fallen, and a Mede named Darius has taken the throne, marking a significant political shift. Daniel, now an older statesman, realizes from studying the prophet Jeremiah that the seventy years of Israel's exile are drawing to a close. This pivotal moment sparks a deep introspection and fervent prayer in Daniel, leading to a profound prophecy from Gabriel about future redemptive events.
Who was this Darius, and why does the Bible take the time to describe his origins? It’s more than just historical detail; it reveals a crucial shift in power.
This opening verse introduces Darius the Mede, a figure who bridges the Babylonian and Persian empires. Historical and scholarly consensus points to him as Cyaxares II, a Mede who was placed on the Babylonian throne by his nephew, Cyrus the Great, after Babylon's fall.
The fall of Babylon wasn't just political upheaval; for Daniel, it was a signpost. What did he find in his 'books' that stirred his soul?
This verse is the springboard for Daniel's profound prayer in chapter 9. His understanding doesn't come from seeing Darius on the throne, but from studying the Scriptures.
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Understand the original words
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, self-existent, covenant-keeping God of Israel who revealed Himself to Moses; the name emphasizes His faithfulness to His promises.
nabi · Hebrew Noun
An inspired spokesperson for God who conveys His divine will, warnings, and promises to His people, often calling them to repentance.
chorbah · Hebrew Noun
The state of being ruined, laid waste, or desolate, often brought upon a city or land as divine judgment for disobedience to God’s covenant.
This verse places Daniel at a pivotal moment: the transition of world powers from Babylon to Medo-Persia. It highlights Darius the Mede's ascendance and Daniel's deep understanding of prophetic timing, spurring his prayer for the end of the exile.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation of Jews to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, conquers Jerusalem and takes notable Jewish youths, including Daniel, into exile. This marks the beginning of the 70-year exile predicted by Jeremiah.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians
The Babylonian empire, after decades of rule, falls to the combined forces of the Medes and Persians. Belshazzar, the Chaldean king, is overthrown.
538 BC— this verse
Darius the Mede Becomes King of Babylon
Darius the Mede, identified by many scholars as Cyaxares II, is made king over the Babylonian realm by his nephew Cyrus the Great. This marks the beginning of his reign over this specific territory.
c. 537 BC
Daniel Understands the Seventy-Year Prophecy
Having studied Jeremiah's prophecies, Daniel realizes the 70-year exile is nearing its end, prompting his earnest prayer for Jerusalem's restoration.
536 BC
Cyrus Permits the Jews to Return
Cyrus the Great, now sole ruler, issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, fulfilling the prophecy.
This passage in Jeremiah outlines the seventy-year period of exile for Judah, which Daniel is studying when he realizes the appointed time is nearing its end, sparking his prayer.
Jeremiah 29:10This verse promises that after seventy years, God will intervene to restore His people and bring them back to their land, a prophecy Daniel is specifically pondering.
Daniel 5:31This verse introduces Darius the Mede as the one who took over the kingdom of Babylon, setting the historical context for the 'first year of Darius' mentioned in Daniel 9:1.
Ezra 1:1This verse marks the decree of Cyrus the Persian, allowing the Jews to return and rebuild the temple, which directly follows the events and prophecies Daniel is grappling with in this chapter.
Daniel 6:1-2This passage describes Darius the Mede setting up a system of governance over the kingdom, giving context to his rule that Daniel finds himself under when he receives the prophecy.
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…
This opening verse isn't just introducing a new ruler; it highlights that Darius "was made king," not that he seized power. This subtle phrasing points to him receiving his authority from another, a significant detail that shifts the focus from his own might to the larger geopolitical forces at play.
The Babylonian Empire has fallen, and a Mede named Darius has taken the throne, marking a significant political shift. Daniel, now an older statesman, realizes from studying the prophet Jeremiah that the seventy years of Israel's exile are drawing to a close. This pivotal moment sparks a deep introspection and fervent prayer in Daniel, leading to a profound prophecy from Gabriel about future redemptive events.
The Babylonian Empire has fallen, and a Mede named Darius has taken the throne, marking a significant political shift. Daniel, now an older statesman, realizes from studying the prophet Jeremiah that the seventy years of Israel's exile are drawing to a close. This pivotal moment sparks a deep introspection and fervent prayer in Daniel, leading to a profound prophecy from Gabriel about future redemptive events.
"In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans— in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of th…" — This opening verse isn't just introducing a new ruler; it highlights that Darius "was made king," not that he seized power. This subtle phrasing points to him receiving his authority from another, a…
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Last reviewed October 2026
