### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **Dârᵉyâvêsh**, represented by `{{H1868}}`, corresponds to {Darejavesh, a title (rather than name) of several Persian kings}; **Darius**. It appears **15 times** across **15 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily in the books of Ezra and Daniel, highlighting his significant role in the history of post-exilic Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Darius** `{{H1868}}` is a powerful king whose reign is pivotal for both the nation of Israel and the prophet Daniel. He is identified as **Darius** the Median, who took the kingdom when he was about sixty-two years old [[Daniel 5:31]]. As king, he organized his administration by setting one hundred and twenty princes over the kingdom [[Daniel 6:1]]. His authority is demonstrated through the decrees he issues, such as the one to search the royal archives for the earlier command from Cyrus regarding the temple [[Ezra 6:1]]. The work on the house of God in Jerusalem, which had been stopped, resumed in the second year of his reign and was finished in his sixth year ([[Ezra 4:24]], [[Ezra 6:15]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of the reign of **Darius**:
* `{{H4430}}` **melek** (king): This title is consistently attached to **Darius**, emphasizing his royal authority. He is referred to as "**king** Darius" when issuing decrees or interacting with his officials ([[Ezra 6:1]], [[Daniel 6:6]]).
* `{{H2942}}` **ṭᵉʻêm** (decree): A key function of **Darius**'s rule was issuing commands. He made a **decree** to search for the records concerning the temple [[Ezra 6:1]] and later made his own **decree** to ensure its construction continued with speed [[Ezra 6:12]].
* `{{H1005}}` **bayith** (house): The rebuilding of the **house** of God is a central event during the reign of **Darius**. The work on this **house** ceased until his second year [[Ezra 4:24]] and was finally finished under his authority [[Ezra 6:15]].
* `{{H1841}}` **Dânîyêʼl** (Daniel): The prophet **Daniel** prospered under the reign of **Darius** [[Daniel 6:28]], and it is this king who witnesses God's deliverance of **Daniel** from the lions.
* `{{H3567}}` **Kôwresh** (Cyrus): The rebuilding of the temple was authorized by a succession of Persian kings, and **Darius**'s commandment is listed alongside that of **Cyrus** and Artaxerxes [[Ezra 6:14]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative role of **Darius** `{{H1868}}` is significant, demonstrating God's sovereignty over world empires.
* **Instrument of Divine Will:** Though a Persian king, **Darius** becomes a key instrument in fulfilling God's plan. His decree not only allows the temple work to resume but commands that it be done with **speed** `{{H629}}` and funded from the royal treasury [[Ezra 6:13]].
* **Enabling Prophetic Work:** The success of the Jews in rebuilding the temple is explicitly linked to the **prophesying** `{{H5017}}` of the prophets Haggai `{{H2292}}` and Zechariah `{{H2148}}`, whose ministry flourished during the reign of **Darius** [[Ezra 6:14]].
* **Witness to God's Sovereignty:** In the book of Daniel, **Darius** is a direct witness to God's power. After seeing Daniel saved, the king writes to all **people** `{{H5972}}`, **nations** `{{H524}}`, and **languages** `{{H3961}}`, declaring that Daniel's God is the living God who delivers and rescues [[Daniel 6:25]].
### Summary
In summary, **Darius** `{{H1868}}` is depicted as a pivotal Gentile ruler whose authority was used to advance God's purposes. He is central to the history of the second temple's construction, issuing the definitive decree that saw the project through to completion. Furthermore, his reign provides the setting for one of Daniel's most profound tests of faith, resulting in a powerful king proclaiming the sovereignty of the God of Israel to the world.
TRV