### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Dârᵉyâvêsh**, represented by `{{H1867}}`, is of Persian origin and refers to **Darius**. It appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible. The word is considered a title for several Persian kings rather than a singular personal name, identifying rulers within the Persian and Median empires.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1867}}` serves as a crucial chronological anchor, particularly for events during the post-exilic period. The word of the LORD is frequently dated by his rule, as seen in the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah, which are explicitly set in the second and fourth years of **Darius** the king ([[Haggai 1:1]]; [[Zechariah 7:1]]). His reign marks the end of a period of opposition to the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem [[Ezra 4:5]] and is used as a historical endpoint for recording priestly genealogies [[Nehemiah 12:22]]. Daniel's account specifies **Darius** as being "of the seed of the Medes" and being made king over the realm of the Chaldeans [[Daniel 9:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of kingship associated with Darius:
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne): This verb is used to describe how Darius was made **king** over the realm of the Chaldeans [[Daniel 9:1]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This title is frequently attached to Darius's name, as in "**Darius** the king" [[Haggai 1:15]], defining his royal status within the narrative.
* `{{H4438}}` **malkûwth** (a rule; concretely, a dominion; empire, kingdom, realm, reign, royal): This noun specifies the "**reign**" or "**realm**" of Darius, such as the period until his **reign** began [[Ezra 4:5]] or the **realm** over which he ruled [[Daniel 9:1]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative role of `{{H1867}}` is significant for understanding the historical context of God's work.
* **Chronological Framework:** The name provides a firm historical and chronological setting for key prophetic messages and restoration activities after the Babylonian exile. The dating of prophecies to his reign, such as in the second year of **Darius** [[Haggai 1:15]], grounds the biblical text in a specific historical moment.
* **Royal Authority:** As a royal title, `{{H1867}}` is consistently associated with the authority of the Persian and Median empires. His status as king is central to understanding the political context of prophets like Haggai and Zechariah and historical figures like Zerubbabel [[Haggai 1:1]].
* **Fulfillment of God's Word:** The reign of **Darius** is presented as a period when God's word is active and moving forward. It marks the timeframe for divine communication through prophets [[Zechariah 1:7]] and the continuation of the restoration which began under Cyrus [[Ezra 4:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1867}}` is more than just a name; it is a royal title that functions as a critical historical signpost in the Old Testament. It anchors key prophetic revelations and historical events, particularly those surrounding Israel's return from exile, within the timeline of the Persian empire. The use of **Dârᵉyâvêsh** demonstrates how the biblical narrative intertwines the reigns of earthly kings with the unfolding purposes of God.
TRV