### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Pâraç**, represented by `{{H6539}}`, refers to **Paras (i.e. Persia)**, an Eastern country and its inhabitants. It appears **28 times** across **24 unique verses** in the Bible. This term is central to understanding the historical and political landscape of the post-exilic period, identifying the empire that succeeded Babylon and played a pivotal role in the history of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6539}}` is frequently associated with the authority of its kings. The LORD `{{H3068}}` stirred up `{{H5782}}` the spirit of Cyrus `{{H3566}}` king of **Persia** to issue a proclamation allowing the rebuilding of the house `{{H1004}}` of God in Jerusalem, fulfilling the word `{{H1697}}` spoken by Jeremiah `{{H3414}}` ([[Ezra 1:1]], [[2 Chronicles 36:22]]). The events in the book of Esther unfold under the rule of the king of **Persia** [[Esther 1:3]], where the laws `{{H1881}}` of the Persians `{{H6539}}` and Medes `{{H4074}}` are known for being unalterable [[Esther 1:19]]. Daniel’s visions and spiritual encounters also occur during this time, where he interacts with spiritual forces including the prince `{{H8269}}` of the kingdom `{{H4438}}` of **Persia** [[Daniel 10:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the Persian Empire's context in scripture:
* `{{H4074}}` **Mâday** (Media): This term identifies the Medes, a people and territory frequently mentioned alongside Persia. The two are often cited together as a single power, as in the "power `{{H2428}}` of **Persia** and **Media**" [[Esther 1:3]] and the "kings `{{H4428}}` of **Media** and **Persia**" [[Daniel 8:20]].
* `{{H3566}}` **Kôresh** (Cyrus): The name of the foundational Persian king who decreed the return of the Jews from exile. He is consistently identified as the "king `{{H4428}}` of **Persia**" [[Ezra 1:1]].
* `{{H783}}` **ʼArtachshashtâʼ** (Artaxerxes): The title of several Persian kings under whose reign figures like Ezra and Nehemiah operated. Ezra is introduced as arriving in Jerusalem during the reign of "Artaxerxes king `{{H4428}}` of **Persia**" [[Ezra 7:1]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): This word for "king" is almost always used to denote the supreme ruler of the Persian empire in contexts involving `{{H6539}}` [[Daniel 10:1]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H6539}}` is primarily historical and geopolitical, framing a key era of God's interaction with Israel.
* **Instrument of God's Purpose:** The kings of **Persia** were used by God as instruments to accomplish His will. Cyrus `{{H3566}}` was charged `{{H6485}}` by the LORD `{{H3068}}` to build `{{H1129}}` Him a house `{{H1004}}` in Jerusalem [[Ezra 1:2]], demonstrating God's sovereignty over world empires.
* **Context for Post-Exilic Life:** The narratives of Ezra and Esther show Israel living under the dominion of **Persia**. Although they were bondmen `{{H5650}}`, God extended `{{H5186}}` mercy `{{H2617}}` to them in the sight of the Persian kings [[Ezra 9:9]].
* **Spiritual Opposition:** The book of Daniel reveals a spiritual dimension to the empire, where the "prince `{{H8269}}` of the kingdom of **Persia**" `{{H6539}}` withstands a divine messenger for twenty-one days [[Daniel 10:13]].
* **Military Power:** **Persia** is recognized as a significant military force, listed alongside nations like Lud `{{H3865}}` and Phut `{{H6316}}` as providing men of war `{{H4421}}` for armies [[Ezekiel 27:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6539}}` **Pâraç** is more than a historical label for an ancient empire. It represents the dominant world power under which Israel's restoration began. The word is the backdrop for pivotal moments of rebuilding, divine deliverance, and spiritual warfare, illustrating how God directs the course of nations to fulfill His sovereign plan for His people. It connects the decrees of earthly kings to the fulfillment of divine prophecy.
TRV