### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **Pâraç**, represented by `{{H6540}}`, refers to **Persia** and the **Persians**. As an Aramaic term corresponding to the Hebrew word of the same spelling, it identifies the prominent Eastern country and its inhabitants. It appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses**, primarily within the books of Ezra and Daniel, situating it within the historical context of the post-exilic period.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H6540}}` consistently denotes the Persian empire as a major political entity influencing the affairs of Israel. The work on the house of God at Jerusalem ceased until the reign of Darius king of **Persia** [[Ezra 4:24]], and its completion was according to the commandment of God as well as the commandments of Persian kings Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes [[Ezra 6:14]]. In Daniel, the term appears in the prophetic interpretation of the writing on the wall, where a kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and **Persians** [[Daniel 5:28]]. It is also used repeatedly to describe the unchangeable "law of the Medes and **Persians**" ([[Daniel 6:8]], 6:12, 6:15).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a deeper understanding of the context surrounding Persia:
* `{{H4076}}` **Mâday** (Mede/-s): This term is frequently paired with **Persia**, as seen in the phrase "the law of the Medes and Persians" [[Daniel 6:8]]. This highlights the Medo-Persian empire's dual nature and its legal system, which played a crucial role in the narrative of Daniel.
* `{{H1868}}` **Dârᵉyâvêsh** (Darius): As a title for several Persian kings, this name is directly linked to **Persia** in contexts involving royal decrees, such as the order to cease work on the temple [[Ezra 4:24]] and the events leading to Daniel being cast into the lions' den [[Daniel 6:8]].
* `{{H3567}}` **Kôwresh** (Cyrus): Another Persian king whose commandment, alongside those of Darius and Artaxerxes, was instrumental in the rebuilding of the house of God, establishing Persia's significant role in the restoration of Jerusalem [[Ezra 6:14]].
* `{{H6537}}` **pᵉraç** (to split up; divide): This Aramaic verb is used in the prophecy against Belshazzar's kingdom. The word "PERES" in the writing on the wall is interpreted as the kingdom being "divided" and given to the Medes and **Persians** `{{H6540}}`, creating a direct wordplay on the name of the empire itself [[Daniel 5:28]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H6540}}` carries significant historical and theological weight in the scriptures where it appears.
* **Imperial Law and Authority:** The "law of the Medes and **Persians**, which altereth not" [[Daniel 6:8]] is a central theme. It represents an absolute, unchangeable human decree that stands in contrast to divine law and sets the stage for testing Daniel's faithfulness.
* **Instrument of Divine Will:** The kings of **Persia**, such as Cyrus and Darius, are portrayed as instruments used to fulfill God's purposes. The rebuilding of the temple proceeds according to their commandments, which themselves align with the "commandment of the God of Israel" [[Ezra 6:14]].
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The rise of the **Persians** is presented as a direct fulfillment of prophecy. In Daniel, the kingdom of Babylon is explicitly "given to the Medes and **Persians**" as declared by the prophet [[Daniel 5:28]], demonstrating God's sovereignty over the succession of world empires.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6540}}` **Pâraç** is more than a simple name for a nation. It represents the historical and political backdrop against which pivotal events of restoration and faithfulness unfold. Through its association with powerful kings and unalterable laws, the term serves to illustrate the relationship between earthly authority and divine sovereignty, showing how God's prophetic plan is accomplished through the actions of world empires.
TRV