Daniel 5:31

KJV

And Darius the Median took the kingdom, [being] about threescore and two years old.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Darius {H1868} the Median {H4077} took {H6902} the kingdom {H4437}, being about threescore {H8361} and two {H8648} years {H8140} old {H1247}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The kingdom passed to Daryavesh the Mede when he was about sixty-two years old.

Berean Standard Bible

and Darius the Mede received the kingdom at the age of sixty-two.

American Standard Version

And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 5:31 serves as the concise yet profound epilogue to the dramatic narrative of Babylon's fall, declaring that "Darius the Median took the kingdom" at the age of sixty-two. This pivotal verse immediately follows the divine judgment pronounced upon King Belshazzar and his subsequent death, marking the precise and divinely orchestrated transfer of global power from the Babylonian Empire to the Medo-Persian Empire. It stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over human history, demonstrating His unfailing control over the rise and fall of nations and the meticulous fulfillment of His prophetic word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 5:31 provides the immediate and decisive resolution to the climactic events of Daniel chapter 5. The preceding narrative vividly portrays King Belshazzar's impious feast, during which he defiantly desecrated sacred vessels plundered from the temple in Jerusalem. This act of blasphemy culminates in the terrifying appearance of a disembodied hand writing a cryptic message on the palace wall. Daniel, summoned to interpret, boldly declares God's judgment: "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin," signifying that Belshazzar's kingdom was weighed, found wanting, and would be divided and given to the Medes and Persians. [Daniel 5:30](/daniel/5-30 "Daniel 5:30 - Belshazzar's Death") then records the swift execution of this judgment: "In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain." Daniel 5:31 directly follows, confirming the instantaneous and precise fulfillment of this divine decree, signaling a dramatic and immediate transition of power that underscores the direct consequence of Belshazzar's hubris and God's unwavering control over earthly kingdoms.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian Empire in 539 BC was a monumental event in ancient Near Eastern history, marking the end of Neo-Babylonian dominance. While secular historical records primarily credit Cyrus the Great of Persia with the conquest and establishment of the unified Medo-Persian Empire, Daniel 5:31 introduces "Darius the Median" as the one who "took the kingdom." Scholars have proposed various theories to reconcile this biblical detail with extrabiblical accounts. The most widely accepted view is that Darius was a high-ranking Median general, a viceroy, or a sub-king appointed by Cyrus to govern Babylon immediately after its capture. He may have served as a transitional ruler or governor on Cyrus's behalf, overseeing the initial administration of the newly conquered territory. His age, "about threescore and two years old" (62 years old), suggests an experienced and established figure, lending credibility to his immediate administrative role. This detail emphasizes the immediate change in local governance rather than the overarching leadership of Cyrus, providing a specific and verifiable detail within the biblical account of this momentous geopolitical shift.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphatically underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over human history and the rise and fall of empires. The transfer of power from Babylon to the Medo-Persian Empire was not a mere political coup but a divinely ordained event, meticulously orchestrated by God, proving that "the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will" ([Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Secondly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, emphasizing the unfailing accuracy of biblical predictions. The end of Babylon and the succession of the Medo-Persian kingdom had been foretold by prophets like [Isaiah 45:1-3](/isaiah/45-1-3 "Isaiah 45:1-3 - God Anoints Cyrus") and [Jeremiah 25:12](/jeremiah/25-12 "Jeremiah 25:12 - Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity"), and specifically within Daniel's own visions, such as the [interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream](/daniel/2-39 "Daniel 2:39 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of Kingdoms") where the silver chest represented the Medo-Persian Empire succeeding Babylon. Lastly, it exemplifies **Justice and Judgment**, as Belshazzar's arrogance and blasphemy met swift divine retribution, demonstrating that God holds even the most powerful rulers accountable for their actions and that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Darius (Aramaic, _Dârᵉyâvêsh'_):** This Aramaic word refers to Darius, a title that was borne by several Persian kings, rather than a unique personal name. In the context of Daniel 5:31, it identifies the individual who immediately assumed control of Babylon after its fall. This figure is likely a high-ranking Median official or viceroy appointed by Cyrus the Great, signifying the new Medo-Persian dominion and the transfer of authority.
* **took (Aramaic, _qᵉbal'_):** This verb signifies "to acquire" or "to receive." In this context, it emphasizes the active and decisive taking of possession of the kingdom through conquest, rather than a mere inheritance. It underscores the swift and divinely orchestrated transfer of power, highlighting the immediate and undeniable shift in geopolitical control from Babylon to the Medo-Persian forces.
* **kingdom (Aramaic, _malkûw'_):** This term refers to dominion, encompassing both the abstract concept of royal power and the concrete reality of the realm itself. Here, it specifically denotes the Babylonian Empire, which has now come under the control of Darius. The transfer of the "kingdom" encapsulates the complete and dramatic shift in world power, from one dominant empire to another, precisely as foretold in God's prophetic word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Darius the Median took the kingdom,"**: This clause immediately establishes the new geopolitical reality following Belshazzar's demise. It identifies the new ruler, "Darius the Median," and states the action: he "took the kingdom." This "taking" signifies a forceful, divinely sanctioned appropriation of power, directly fulfilling the prophecy of the kingdom being "divided and given to the Medes and Persians" from [Daniel 5:28](/daniel/5-28 "Daniel 5:28 - Your Kingdom Divided"). The specific mention of "the Median" highlights the Mede component of the conquering empire, aligning with Daniel's earlier prophecies concerning the Medo-Persian succession and emphasizing the distinct identity of the new governing authority.
* **"[being] about threescore and two years old."**: This detail provides a specific age for Darius, sixty-two years old. While seemingly a minor detail, it adds historical verisimilitude and suggests that the new ruler was a mature, experienced individual. This contrasts sharply with Belshazzar's youthful arrogance and implies that the individual taking the reins of power was a seasoned general or administrator, perhaps appointed to oversee the newly conquered territory. This age detail reinforces the idea of a deliberate and orderly transition, despite the violent overthrow of the previous regime, and adds a touch of concrete realism to the divinely orchestrated events.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 5:31 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most striking is **Conciseness**, as a monumental shift in world power—the fall of a mighty empire and the dawn of a new one—is encapsulated in a single, brief sentence. This brevity underscores the swiftness, inevitability, and divine precision of God's judgment and the seamless execution of His sovereign plan. There is also a strong element of **Fulfillment**, as the verse serves as the immediate and undeniable confirmation of the prophecies delivered by Daniel earlier in the chapter, particularly the "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin" inscription, demonstrating God's unfailing word. The mention of Darius's age adds a touch of **Realism** or **Verisimilitude**, grounding the dramatic, supernatural events in a specific, human detail that enhances the historical credibility of the account. Finally, the entire narrative leading to this verse functions as a powerful **Irony**: Belshazzar's night of revelry, defiance, and blasphemy ends abruptly with his death and the immediate transfer of his kingdom to an elderly Median ruler, highlighting the stark contrast between human pride and divine sovereignty, and demonstrating that God's timing and judgment are perfect.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 5:31 stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over human history and the transient nature of earthly power. It vividly illustrates that no empire, however mighty or seemingly invincible, can withstand the purposes of the Almighty. The swift, precise transfer of the Babylonian kingdom to Darius the Median demonstrates that God is not merely an observer of human affairs but the active orchestrator, raising up and bringing down nations according to His divine will. This theological truth offers profound comfort and a call to humility: comfort in knowing that God is ultimately in control, even amidst chaos, and a call to humility for all, especially those in positions of power, to acknowledge that their authority is ultimately derived from and subject to God. The events of this verse underscore the unfailing reliability of God's prophetic word, proving that what He declares will indeed come to pass.

* [Isaiah 45:1-3](/isaiah/45-1-3 "God Anoints Cyrus")
* [Jeremiah 25:12](/jeremiah/25-12 "Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "God Exalts and Humbles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 5:31 offers profound reassurance and a timeless challenge for believers today. In a world often characterized by political upheaval, shifting powers, and uncertain futures, this verse reminds us that God remains firmly on the throne, orchestrating all events according to His sovereign plan. Just as Babylon's fall was not a random occurrence but a divinely appointed judgment and transition, so too are the movements of history under His watchful eye. This truth invites us to trust in His ultimate control, even when circumstances seem chaotic or beyond human comprehension. Furthermore, the fate of Belshazzar serves as a stark warning against pride, sacrilege, and the failure to acknowledge God's supreme authority. It calls us to live with humility, recognizing that all power and privilege are gifts from God, to be used for His glory, not for self-exaltation or defiance. The seamless transition of power, from a mighty empire to a new one, underscores God's meticulous control over history, offering comfort and confidence in His ultimate triumph and inviting us to align our lives with His eternal purposes, knowing that His kingdom alone is everlasting.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the swift fall of Babylon and the rise of Darius challenge our understanding of human power and control in our contemporary world?**
* **In what ways might we, like Belshazzar, inadvertently or intentionally profane what is sacred or fail to acknowledge God's ultimate authority in our lives?**
* **How does the certainty of God's sovereign plan, as demonstrated in Daniel 5:31, offer comfort or challenge in your current circumstances?**
* **What practical steps can we take to live with greater humility and trust in God's control, even when earthly powers seem overwhelming?**

### FAQ
**Who was Darius the Median, and how does he fit into secular history?**

Answer: Darius the Median is a figure mentioned exclusively in the book of Daniel, specifically in [Daniel 5:31](/daniel/5-31 "Darius Takes the Kingdom"), [Daniel 6:1](/daniel/6-1 "Darius Appoints Officials"), and [Daniel 9:1](/daniel/9-1 "Darius's Reign"). Secular historical records of the Persian conquest of Babylon primarily credit Cyrus the Great as the conqueror and the first king of the unified Medo-Persian Empire. This apparent discrepancy has led to various scholarly theories seeking to reconcile the biblical account with extrabiblical sources. One prominent view is that "Darius the Median" was not a separate, independent king but rather a title or a viceroy appointed by Cyrus to govern Babylon immediately after its capture. He might have been a high-ranking Median general or official, perhaps Gobryas (Ugbaru in Babylonian texts), who oversaw the city's administration on Cyrus's behalf. This would explain why Daniel refers to him as "the Median" and notes his advanced age, suggesting an experienced administrator rather than the primary conquering king. Another theory suggests he might have been a sub-king or a temporary ruler before Cyrus fully consolidated his power. Regardless of the exact identification, the biblical account emphasizes his immediate and authoritative role in taking control of the kingdom, fulfilling the prophecy of the Medo-Persian succession.

**What is the significance of Darius's age, "about threescore and two years old"?**

Answer: The detail that Darius was "about threescore and two years old" (62 years old) when he took the kingdom is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it adds a touch of historical realism and specificity to the account, grounding the dramatic events in a tangible detail that enhances its credibility. Secondly, it suggests that Darius was an experienced and mature leader, a stark contrast to the young, arrogant Belshazzar. This maturity would have lent stability and authority to the new administration in Babylon, facilitating a smoother transition of power after the swift conquest. It might also imply that his role was administrative or transitional rather than that of a long-reigning monarch, as an older ruler might be appointed for immediate governance rather than a lengthy dynastic reign. This detail further underscores the divine precision in orchestrating the transfer of power, ensuring that the right individual, at the right age, was in place to fulfill God's purposes for the new Medo-Persian dominion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 5:31, with its depiction of the sudden fall of a mighty earthly kingdom and the immediate transfer of power to a new ruler, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, eternal kingdom established by Jesus Christ. While earthly empires rise and fall, their dominion is always temporary and subject to God's sovereign decree. Belshazzar's kingdom was "taken" by Darius, but the ultimate "taking" of all dominion belongs to the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Christ, as the "Son of Man" prophesied in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "The Son of Man's Dominion"), was given "dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one which shall not be destroyed." The swift judgment on Belshazzar and the transfer of his kingdom serve as a microcosm of the grander divine plan: the overthrow of all earthly powers that oppose God and the establishment of Christ's eternal reign. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, thereby "taking" a kingdom not by military might, but by sacrificial love, delivering us from the domain of darkness and transferring us to the [kingdom of His beloved Son](/colossians/1-13 "Delivered from Darkness"). Ultimately, Daniel 5:31 points to the glorious future when the "kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever" ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")), fulfilling God's eternal purpose for all creation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 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;

Daniel 6:1

¶ It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;