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The Biblical Account of Darius the Mede

The Bible identifies Darius the Mede as the ruler who succeeded Belshazzar, the last king of Babylon, after the city fell to the Medo-Persian forces led by Cyrus the Great. Daniel 5:30-31 states: “That very night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was killed. And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.”

The Persian invasion of Babylonia, September–October 539 BC, showing Gutium, Opis, and Babylon.

Darius the Mede’s reign is most prominently featured in Daniel chapters 6 and 9. He is described as “the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes” (Daniel 9:1) and is noted for his administrative reforms, his interaction with Daniel, and his acknowledgment of Jehovah as the living God. His exact historical identity has been the subject of considerable debate, as secular records have not yet corroborated his existence under the name “Darius the Mede.”

Darius’s Role in the Lions’ Den Incident

One of the most well-known accounts involving Darius the Mede is the story of Daniel in the lions’ den, found in Daniel 6. After appointing Daniel as one of three high officials over 120 satraps, Darius intended to elevate him further because of his exceptional integrity and ability (Daniel 6:1-3). However, this plan provoked jealousy among the other officials.

The conspirators devised a scheme to trap Daniel, convincing Darius to issue a decree forbidding anyone from praying to any god or man except the king for thirty days. Violators were to be thrown into a den of lions. The law of the Medes and Persians, once enacted, could not be repealed (Daniel 6:6-9). This decree aimed to undermine Daniel’s faithfulness to Jehovah, as he continued to pray three times daily, facing Jerusalem.

Gold Persian daric (with a purity of 95.83%) issued by Darius the Great, c. 490 BCE).

When Daniel was discovered in prayer, Darius, though distressed, was bound by the decree. Reluctantly, he ordered Daniel to be cast into the lions’ den but expressed hope in Jehovah’s ability to deliver him: “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you” (Daniel 6:16). After a sleepless night, Darius hurried to the den and found Daniel unharmed, saved by an angel who shut the lions’ mouths. In response, Darius decreed that all should “tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever” (Daniel 6:26).

Darius’s Administrative Reforms

The Bible emphasizes Darius’s administrative capabilities, evident in his establishment of 120 satraps overseen by three high officials, one of whom was Daniel (Daniel 6:1-2). This system reflects the broader administrative structure of the Medo-Persian Empire, which sought to maintain order and efficient governance over its vast territories.

This arrangement underscores the historical accuracy of the biblical account, as similar organizational structures are documented in Persian history. The use of satraps to manage provinces and collect revenues aligns with practices instituted by rulers such as Cyrus the Great and Darius I, later known as Darius the Great.

The Vision of the Seventy Weeks

In Daniel 9, during the first year of Darius the Mede’s reign, Daniel received a revelation concerning the seventy weeks of years, a prophecy detailing the timeline for the coming of the Messiah and the restoration of Jerusalem. This profound vision occurred after Daniel discerned from the writings of Jeremiah that the seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem were nearing their end (Daniel 9:1-2, 24-27).

Daniel’s prayer of confession and intercession for his people demonstrates his faith and reliance on Jehovah’s promises. The angel Gabriel’s response revealed God’s plan for redemption and the eventual establishment of everlasting righteousness.

The Identity of Darius the Mede

The historical identity of Darius the Mede remains a subject of debate among scholars. Several theories have been proposed to reconcile the biblical account with secular history:

Darius as an Alternate Name for Cyrus the Great
Some scholars suggest that Darius the Mede may be an alternate title for Cyrus the Great, who conquered Babylon in 539 B.C.E. This view contends that Cyrus, being of Median descent through his mother, could have been referred to as a Mede in certain contexts. However, this interpretation conflicts with Daniel’s explicit identification of Darius as a distinct individual, “of the seed of the Medes.”
Darius as a Subordinate Governor
Another theory posits that Darius the Mede was a subordinate ruler appointed by Cyrus to govern Babylon while Cyrus focused on consolidating his empire. This hypothesis aligns with the practice of delegating authority to trusted officials but lacks direct historical evidence.
Darius as Cyaxares II
A third theory identifies Darius the Mede with Cyaxares II, a Median ruler mentioned by the Greek historian Xenophon. According to Xenophon, Cyaxares II ceded authority to his nephew Cyrus, allowing Cyrus to establish the Medo-Persian Empire. While this identification aligns with Darius’s Median heritage, it is complicated by the lack of corroboration in other historical records.

Challenges in Secular Corroboration

Critics often point to the absence of references to Darius the Mede in contemporary inscriptions or historical accounts as evidence against his existence. However, the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. Many ancient figures and events are known only through specific texts, and the Bible remains a reliable historical source.

The precision of the biblical narrative, particularly in its description of the fall of Babylon and the administrative practices of the Medo-Persian Empire, lends credibility to the existence of Darius the Mede. As archaeological discoveries continue, additional evidence may come to light that further substantiates the biblical account.

Theological Significance of Darius’s Reign

Darius the Mede’s reign highlights God’s sovereignty over human history. The events of his rule, particularly the deliverance of Daniel, demonstrate Jehovah’s power to protect his faithful servants and to work through secular rulers to accomplish his purposes.

The decree issued by Darius in Daniel 6:26-27 is a profound acknowledgment of Jehovah’s supremacy: “For he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end.” This declaration from a pagan king underscores the universal scope of God’s authority and the enduring truth of his Word.

Trusting the Biblical Record

The account of Darius the Mede exemplifies the reliability of Scripture and its depiction of historical events. While secular records have yet to confirm his identity, the detailed and consistent portrayal of his reign in the Bible provides a compelling case for its authenticity. As Daniel 2:21 affirms, “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings.” The reign of Darius the Mede serves as a reminder that all earthly power is subject to the will of Jehovah, who directs history according to his perfect plan.

Who Really Was Darius the Mede?

The Challenges in Identifying Darius the Mede

Darius the Mede is one of the more enigmatic figures in biblical history, mentioned explicitly in the book of Daniel. His identity has perplexed scholars for centuries due to a lack of clear corroboration in contemporary secular records. The Bible describes Darius as a Median ruler who “received the kingdom” after the fall of Babylon in 539 B.C.E. (Daniel 5:30-31). He is further identified as “the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes” (Daniel 9:1).

The challenge lies in reconciling the biblical description of Darius with the known historical rulers of the Medo-Persian period, such as Cyrus the Great and his successors. Despite the absence of secular records mentioning Darius the Mede by this name, the reliability of the Bible provides the basis for a thorough investigation into his identity.

Was Darius the Mede Another Name for Gubaru?

One prominent theory identifies Darius the Mede with Gubaru (sometimes referred to as Gobryas), a governor under Cyrus the Great. Gubaru played a significant role in the fall of Babylon, as the Nabonidus Chronicle states that he “entered Babylon without battle” along with Cyrus’s forces. Shortly thereafter, Gubaru was appointed as governor over the city and surrounding region.

This identification is supported by several parallels between Gubaru and Darius the Mede:

The Bible describes Darius as being “made king over the kingdom of the Chaldeans” (Daniel 9:1). While the term “king” might be applied broadly, Gubaru was granted extensive administrative authority over Babylon and the surrounding territories, effectively acting as a regional monarch under Cyrus.
Darius appointed 120 satraps over the kingdom and three administrators to oversee them (Daniel 6:1-2). Similarly, historical records show that Gubaru established a structured administrative system in Babylon, delegating authority to regional governors.
The Bible indicates that Darius ruled for a brief period before Cyrus assumed direct control over Babylon (Daniel 6:28). This aligns with Gubaru’s role as a subordinate ruler or viceroy under Cyrus.

While this theory has merit, it is not without challenges. Gubaru is not explicitly referred to as a “Mede” in historical records, nor is he directly linked to the lineage of Ahasuerus. Furthermore, Gubaru continued to govern Babylon for 14 years, whereas the Bible suggests that Darius’s rule was shorter.

Could Darius the Mede Be Cyaxares II?

Another theory identifies Darius the Mede with Cyaxares II, a Median ruler mentioned by the Greek historian Xenophon. According to Xenophon, Cyaxares II was the successor of Astyages, the last king of the Medes, and uncle to Cyrus the Great. Cyaxares is said to have ceded authority to Cyrus, allowing him to establish the Medo-Persian Empire while retaining a nominal kingship.

Supporters of this theory argue that Cyaxares II fits the biblical description of Darius as a Mede and a member of a Median royal lineage. Furthermore, the notion of Cyaxares as a figurehead aligns with the Bible’s depiction of Darius as ruling by appointment rather than conquest.

However, this theory also faces significant difficulties. Xenophon’s account of Cyaxares II is contradicted by other ancient sources, such as Herodotus, who makes no mention of him. Additionally, the historical record emphasizes Cyrus as the primary ruler following the fall of Babylon, with no substantial evidence for a co-regency.

Could Darius Be a Throne Name for Cyrus?

Some scholars propose that Darius the Mede is an alternate title or throne name for Cyrus the Great himself. This view suggests that Cyrus, through his Median ancestry, could have been referred to as a Mede in certain contexts. Proponents point to the dual nature of the Medo-Persian Empire, as reflected in Daniel 5:28 and Daniel 6:8, where the laws are described as “the law of the Medes and Persians.”

While this interpretation simplifies the historical puzzle, it creates new difficulties. The Bible explicitly distinguishes between Darius the Mede and Cyrus, describing the former as a subordinate ruler who “received the kingdom” (Daniel 5:31). Additionally, Daniel 6:28 states that “Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian,” clearly treating them as distinct individuals.

The Bible’s Reliability and Historical Context

The absence of clear secular references to Darius the Mede does not undermine the credibility of the biblical account. Many historical figures and events recorded in the Bible were once considered fictional until archaeological discoveries confirmed their existence. For example, the existence of Belshazzar, the last king of Babylon, was doubted for centuries until the Nabonidus Cylinder was discovered, revealing that Belshazzar served as co-regent with his father, Nabonidus.

The Bible’s detailed and accurate portrayal of Medo-Persian administrative practices, such as the use of satraps and unalterable laws, further attests to its historical reliability. These practices are corroborated by secular sources, including the Behistun Inscription and other cuneiform texts.

The Role of Medes in the Medo-Persian Empire

The dual nature of the Medo-Persian Empire, as described in Daniel 8:3-4 and Daniel 8:20, provides additional context for understanding Darius the Mede. While Cyrus the Great is widely recognized as the founder of the empire, the Medes played a significant role in its establishment. Isaiah 13:17-19 and Jeremiah 51:11 prophesy that the Medes would be instrumental in Babylon’s downfall, emphasizing their partnership with the Persians.

Darius the Mede may have represented this Median contribution, serving as a transitional figure who helped solidify Persian control over Babylon. His rule reflects the cooperation between the Medes and Persians, even as Cyrus emerged as the dominant figure.

Theological Implications of Darius’s Reign

Darius the Mede’s reign demonstrates God’s sovereignty over human history and the fulfillment of His purposes. The events of Daniel 6, where Daniel is delivered from the lions’ den, highlight Jehovah’s power to protect His faithful servants and to influence the hearts of rulers. Darius’s decree, declaring that “the God of Daniel… is the living God, enduring forever,” underscores the universal acknowledgment of Jehovah’s authority (Daniel 6:26).

The Bible’s account of Darius also illustrates the temporary nature of earthly kingdoms in contrast to God’s eternal kingdom. As Daniel interpreted in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44). Darius’s reign serves as a reminder that all human power is subject to God’s ultimate plan.

Conclusion: The Enigma of Darius the Mede

While the historical identity of Darius the Mede remains uncertain, the biblical account provides a consistent and reliable portrayal of his role in the Medo-Persian Empire. Whether he is identified with Gubaru, Cyaxares II, or another figure, Darius the Mede exemplifies the partnership between the Medes and Persians and the fulfillment of God’s purposes in history.

The Bible’s depiction of Darius emphasizes themes of divine sovereignty, faithfulness, and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. As archaeological discoveries continue, further evidence may emerge to shed light on this enigmatic figure, affirming the Bible’s accuracy and authority.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).