(Aramaic) corresponding to דָּֽרְיָוֵשׁ; {Darejavesh, a title (rather than name) of several Persian kings}; Darius.
Transliteration:Dârᵉyâvêsh
Pronunciation:daw-reh-yaw-vaysh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma דָּֽרְיָוֵשׁ (Dârᵉyâvêsh), transliterated as Darius, is an Aramaic loanword functioning as a proper noun. Its base definition indicates it is "a title (rather than name) of several Persian kings." This suggests that "Darius" was a regnal name or a dynastic appellation, similar to "Pharaoh" in Egypt, rather than a personal given name. The term thus denotes a specific office or lineage within the Persian monarchy, embodying the authority and power associated with the ruler of the vast Achaemenid Empire. Its semantic range is therefore limited to this specific royal designation, primarily identifying the individual holding the Persian throne at various points in biblical history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Darius appears in several books of the Hebrew Bible, referring to at least two distinct Persian monarchs, each playing a significant role in God's redemptive plan for Israel:
1. **Darius the Mede:** This figure is prominent in the Book of Daniel. Following the fall of Babylon, Darius the Mede takes over the kingdom at the age of sixty-two ([[Daniel 5:31]]). He appoints 120 satraps and three administrators, one of whom is Daniel ([[Daniel 6:1-2]]). Darius is depicted as a ruler who recognizes Daniel's exceptional wisdom and integrity, though he is manipulated by jealous officials into issuing a decree that leads to Daniel's miraculous deliverance from the lion's den ([[Daniel 6:6-23]]). The historical identity of Darius the Mede has been a subject of scholarly debate, with various theories proposing him to be a viceroy, a general, or a symbolic figure, rather than a historically attested Achaemenid monarch. Regardless of his precise historical identification, within the biblical narrative, he serves as the immediate successor to Belshazzar and a ruler under whom Daniel continues to faithfully serve God.
2. **Darius I (Darius Hystaspes):** This Darius is referenced in the post-exilic books of Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah. His reign is crucial for the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
* In **Ezra**, Darius I issues a decree confirming the earlier edict of Cyrus, which allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the temple. He provides resources from the royal treasury for the work and threatens severe penalties for anyone who alters his decree ([[Ezra 6:1-12]]). This decree is a pivotal moment, enabling the completion of the temple.
* The prophecies of **Haggai** and **Zechariah** are explicitly dated to the reign of Darius I ([[Haggai 1:1]], [[Zechariah 1:1]]). These prophets encouraged the struggling post-exilic community to resume and complete the temple construction, assuring them of God's presence and blessing. The historical context of Darius's reign (522-486 BC) provides a precise chronological anchor for these prophetic messages and the temple's completion ([[Ezra 6:15]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The term דָּֽרְיָוֵשׁ (Dârᵉyâvêsh) is intrinsically linked to the broader context of the Persian Empire and its interaction with the people of Israel.
* **Persian Empire:** The word signifies the imperial power that succeeded the Babylonian Empire, playing a crucial role in the return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
* **Other Persian Kings:** It stands alongside other Persian royal names mentioned in Scripture, such as Cyrus (`{{H3566}}`), Artaxerxes (`{{H740}}`), and Ahasuerus (`{{H325}}`), forming a sequence of rulers whose policies directly impacted the Jewish community.
* **Decrees and Edicts:** The biblical narrative frequently highlights the importance of royal decrees issued by Darius, particularly those concerning the temple's reconstruction, underscoring the legal and administrative framework of the empire.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The actions of Darius, though a pagan king, are consistently portrayed as instruments in God's sovereign plan, fulfilling prophetic word and providing for His people.
* **Post-Exilic Period:** The occurrences of Darius I are central to understanding the challenges and triumphs of the Jewish community after their return from Babylonian captivity.
### Theological Significance
The appearances of "Darius" in the biblical narrative carry profound theological significance, primarily underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises.
* **Divine Control over Nations:** The most prominent theological theme is God's ability to use even pagan monarchs, like Darius, as unwitting agents to accomplish His divine will. Whether it is Darius the Mede's unwitting role in Daniel's deliverance or Darius I's explicit decree for the temple's rebuilding, God orchestrates the actions of human rulers to serve His purposes ([[Proverbs 21:1]]).
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** Darius I's decree directly facilitates the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the return from exile and the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem. This demonstrates God's precision and commitment to bringing His prophetic word to pass, even across generations and through diverse political landscapes.
* **Providence in History:** The detailed accounts involving Darius illustrate God's meticulous providence, guiding historical events to ensure the welfare of His people and the progression of His redemptive plan. The resources and protection provided by the Persian king were essential for the struggling community to rebuild their spiritual center.
* **Faithfulness under Foreign Rule:** Daniel's steadfastness under Darius the Mede serves as an example of faithfulness and integrity for believers living under foreign or even hostile governance. It demonstrates that God's people can honor God and influence their rulers, even in challenging circumstances.
* **God's Ultimate Authority:** The power of earthly kings, though immense, is ultimately subservient to the ultimate authority of the King of Kings. Darius's decrees are powerful, but they are ultimately instruments in the hands of the sovereign God.
### Summary
The Aramaic word דָּֽרְיָוֵשׁ (Dârᵉyâvêsh), rendered "Darius," functions as a significant regnal title for Persian kings in the Hebrew Bible. It identifies at least two distinct monarchs: Darius the Mede in Daniel, under whom Daniel faithfully served and was miraculously preserved, and Darius I in Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, whose crucial decrees enabled the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The theological significance of Darius's appearances lies primarily in affirming God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers, His meticulous providence in guiding history, and His unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to His people, even through the actions of pagan kings.
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