Daniel 6:28

KJV

So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

KJV (with Strong's)

So this {H1836} Daniel {H1841} prospered {H6744} in the reign {H4437} of Darius {H1868}, and in the reign {H4437} of Cyrus {H3567} the Persian {H6543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So this Dani'el prospered during the reign of Daryavesh, and also during the reign of Koresh the Persian.

Berean Standard Bible

So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

American Standard Version

So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 6:28 serves as a concise yet profound epilogue to the dramatic narrative of Daniel's miraculous deliverance from the lions' den, encapsulating the prophet's remarkable longevity, unwavering divine favor, and consistent influence within the highest echelons of successive imperial powers. It underscores the enduring nature of God's faithfulness to His servant, even amidst radical geopolitical shifts, solidifying Daniel's legacy as a trusted statesman and prophet across the reigns of both Darius the Mede and Cyrus the Persian.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a concluding statement for Daniel chapter 6, immediately following the miraculous deliverance of Daniel from the lions' den and the subsequent judgment upon his accusers. It provides a vital summary of Daniel's status and influence, not merely as a temporary reprieve but as a sustained reality throughout the transition of empires. Coming after the intense personal trial and divine vindication, Daniel 6:28 shifts the focus from the immediate crisis to the broader arc of Daniel's life and ministry, demonstrating that God's favor extended beyond a single event, ensuring his continued prosperity and strategic placement within the new Medo-Persian administration. It reinforces the theme of God's protection over His faithful servants, even when they face extreme persecution, and sets the stage for the prophetic visions that will follow in the latter half of the book, many of which occurred during the very reigns mentioned here.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel 6:28 spans a critical historical juncture: the transition of world power from the Neo-Babylonian Empire to the Medo-Persian Empire. Darius the Mede is presented as the immediate successor to Belshazzar after the fall of Babylon, likely a viceroy or governor appointed by Cyrus the Great, who was the true architect of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Cyrus, known for his enlightened policies towards conquered peoples, including the famous decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")), represents the apex of this new imperial order. Daniel's ability to "prosper" under both Darius and Cyrus speaks volumes about his exceptional administrative skills, his profound wisdom, and, most importantly, the divine favor that transcended political and cultural boundaries. His continued service under these powerful rulers highlights the unique position of a Jewish exile who rose to unparalleled influence in a foreign land.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the Book of Daniel. First, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is the ultimate ruler over all earthly kingdoms, raising up and bringing down kings as He wills ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Daniel's sustained prosperity under different monarchs is a testament to God's hand guiding history. Second, it highlights **Faithfulness and Vindication**, showing that Daniel's unwavering devotion to God, even unto death, resulted in divine protection and elevation. His commitment to prayer and obedience, even when it meant defying royal decrees ([Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel 6:10 - Daniel's Prayer and Obedience")), was met with God's miraculous intervention and subsequent blessing. Finally, the verse speaks to **Enduring Influence**, portraying Daniel as a consistent and impactful figure whose wisdom and integrity were recognized and utilized by successive world leaders, allowing him to serve God's purposes for His people across generations, from the early days of the Babylonian exile ([Daniel 1:21](/daniel/1-21 "Daniel 1:21 - Daniel's Early Service in Babylon")) to the dawn of the Persian era.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Daniel (Aramaic, _Dânîyêʼl'_):** This is the Aramaic form corresponding to the Hebrew name "Daniel," meaning "God is my judge." The repetition of "this Daniel" (H1836 "dên" + H1841 "Dânîyêʼl") emphasizes the specific individual whose life and character have been the subject of the preceding narrative, highlighting his unique identity and the personal nature of God's favor upon him.
* **prospered (Aramaic, _tsᵉlach'_):** This Aramaic verb signifies "to advance," "to succeed," or "to be effective." It denotes more than mere survival; it implies thriving, flourishing, and achieving success in one's endeavors. For Daniel, this prosperity was multifaceted, encompassing not only his political influence and administrative effectiveness but also his spiritual well-being and prophetic ministry, which continued under Cyrus ([Daniel 10:1](/daniel/10-1 "Daniel 10:1 - Daniel's Prophetic Ministry Under Cyrus")).
* **reign (Aramaic, _malkûw'_):** This term refers to "dominion," "kingdom," or "kingly rule," abstractly or concretely. Its repeated use ("in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus") underscores the continuity of Daniel's influence across different administrations and the transfer of imperial power, emphasizing that his prosperity was not tied to one particular monarch but rather to the overarching sovereignty of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So this Daniel prospered":** This clause serves as a direct consequence and summary of the preceding events, especially Daniel's miraculous deliverance. The phrase "this Daniel" points back to the faithful servant whose integrity and God-given wisdom have been consistently demonstrated throughout the book. His "prosperity" indicates not just material wealth or political power, but a thriving in all aspects of his life—spiritual, intellectual, and administrative—a testament to God's blessing.
* **"in the reign of Darius":** This specifies the first phase of Daniel's continued prosperity under the new Medo-Persian rule. Darius the Mede, likely a subordinate king or governor under Cyrus, represented the initial transition of power after the fall of Babylon. Daniel's ability to prosper under this new, foreign ruler immediately after the intense trial of the lions' den highlights his indispensable value and God's continued favor.
* **"and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian":** This extends Daniel's period of prosperity to the full establishment of the Persian Empire under its founder, Cyrus the Great. Cyrus was the pivotal figure who would eventually issue the decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem. Daniel's continued influence under such a significant and powerful monarch underscores the depth of his wisdom, the breadth of his administrative skills, and, most importantly, the divine hand that positioned him to potentially influence the very decree that would bring about the restoration of his people.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 6:28 employs several literary devices to achieve its impact. The most prominent is **Epilogue**, as the verse functions as a concluding summary to the dramatic narrative of Daniel's trial and vindication in chapter 6, providing a sense of closure and resolution. It also utilizes **Emphasis through Repetition** with the phrase "in the reign of," highlighting the continuity of Daniel's influence across successive administrations and reinforcing the theme of God's enduring favor despite changes in human leadership. Furthermore, the verse serves as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at Daniel's continued prophetic ministry and potential influence on the historical events, such as Cyrus's decree, that would unfold in the broader biblical narrative. Finally, it embodies **Divine Providence**, implicitly attributing Daniel's sustained prosperity not merely to human skill but to the sovereign hand of God orchestrating events for His purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 6:28 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring biblical truth that faithfulness to God, even in the face of extreme adversity, is met with divine vindication and sustained blessing. Daniel's prosperity was not a matter of political maneuvering or personal charisma alone, but a direct consequence of God's sovereign will to elevate and protect His servant for His grand purposes, which included the eventual return of the Jewish exiles. This verse underscores the theme that God's kingdom is eternal and transcends all earthly empires, and that He can use even pagan rulers to accomplish His divine plan. Daniel's life, as summarized here, becomes a living parable of God's power to sustain His people through changing seasons and hostile environments, ensuring that His chosen instruments are in place to fulfill His will.

* [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree for Israel's Return")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man Who Prospers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 6:28 offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers navigating a complex and often hostile world. Daniel's unwavering commitment to God, even when it meant facing a den of lions, resulted in a sustained season of influence and prosperity that transcended political shifts and personal dangers. This reminds us that true security and lasting impact are found not in human power structures or fleeting circumstances, but in steadfast devotion to the Lord. Our faithfulness, integrity, and reliance on God's sovereignty can position us for divine favor and enable us to be agents of His purposes in unexpected places, even when the cultural or political climate seems adverse. Daniel's life invites us to trust that God can not only deliver us from immediate perils but also sustain us through long seasons of service, making our lives fruitful and impactful for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel's sustained prosperity under different rulers challenge our understanding of success and security in a changing world?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate the kind of unwavering faithfulness that characterized Daniel, even when faced with opposition or uncertainty?**
* **How does recognizing God's sovereignty over earthly leaders and empires impact our prayers and our engagement with the world around us?**

### FAQ
**Who were Darius and Cyrus, and what was their significance in Daniel's life?**

Answer: Darius the Mede and Cyrus the Persian represent the two key rulers under whom Daniel continued to prosper after the fall of Babylon. Darius is presented as the immediate successor to Belshazzar, likely a high-ranking official or viceroy appointed by Cyrus, who was the true founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Cyrus the Great was a pivotal figure in ancient history, renowned for his vast conquests and, notably, for his policy of allowing conquered peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. Daniel's continued influence and prosperity under both these leaders, especially Cyrus, suggest that he may have played a significant role in advising Cyrus, potentially even influencing the famous decree that allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")). This highlights Daniel's unique position as a trusted advisor who served across multiple empires and generations.

**What does "prospered" mean in the context of Daniel 6:28?**

Answer: The Aramaic word translated "prospered" (tsᵉlach) signifies more than just material wealth or political power. It denotes thriving, succeeding, advancing, and being effective in one's endeavors. For Daniel, this "prosperity" encompassed his continued high standing in the government, his administrative effectiveness, his intellectual and spiritual vitality, and the ongoing recognition of his wisdom and integrity by successive rulers. It implies that God not only protected Daniel from harm but also enabled him to flourish and fulfill his divine calling as a prophet and statesman, even amidst the complexities of foreign imperial courts. This comprehensive prosperity demonstrates God's holistic care for His faithful servant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel's enduring prosperity and influence across successive pagan empires, culminating in the reign of Cyrus, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Just as Daniel, a faithful servant, was vindicated and elevated by God despite facing death, so too was Christ, the perfectly obedient Son, vindicated through His resurrection after His crucifixion, leading to His exaltation to the right hand of God ([Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-9 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Daniel's ability to "prosper" and maintain influence in the earthly kingdoms of men points to the far greater truth that Christ's kingdom is not of this world, yet it reigns *over* this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")). He is the true King of kings and Lord of lords, under whose eternal dominion all earthly powers ultimately bow ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). Daniel's life of unwavering faithfulness, which led to divine protection and promotion, serves as a type for the perfect faithfulness of Christ, through whom believers also receive true and lasting prosperity—not necessarily earthly riches, but spiritual blessings, eternal life, and a share in His glorious kingdom ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Thus, Daniel 6:28, while speaking of a historical figure, ultimately directs our gaze to the one who truly prospers eternally and reigns supremely: Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain and is now glorified ([Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12-13 - Worthy Is the Lamb")).

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 1:21

And Daniel continued [even] unto the first year of king Cyrus.

2 Chronicles 36:22

¶ Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD [spoken] by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying,

Ezra 1:2

Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah.

Isaiah 44:28

That saith of Cyrus, [He is] my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

Isaiah 45:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

Daniel 10:1

¶ In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing [was] true, but the time appointed [was] long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.