Daniel 9:1

¶ In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;

In the first {H259} year {H8141} of Darius {H1867} the son {H1121} of Ahasuerus {H325}, of the seed {H2233} of the Medes {H4074}, which was made king {H4427} over the realm {H4438} of the Chaldeans {H3778};

In the first year of Daryavesh the son of Achashverosh, a Mede by birth who was made king over the kingdom of the Kasdim -

In the first year of Darius son of Xerxes, a Mede by descent, who was made ruler over the kingdom of the Chaldeans—

In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans,

Commentary

Daniel 9:1 opens a pivotal chapter in the book of Daniel, setting the precise historical stage for Daniel's profound prayer and the subsequent revelation of the seventy weeks prophecy. This verse firmly anchors the prophetic narrative in verifiable historical events.

Historical and Cultural Context

The verse specifies the timing: "In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans." This places the events immediately after the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian Empire. The "realm of the Chaldeans" refers to Babylonia, which had been the dominant world power. Darius the Mede is generally understood to be a transitional ruler or governor appointed by Cyrus the Great, who was the true power behind the new empire. His reign signifies the end of the Babylonian captivity and the dawn of a new era, directly preceding the time when Daniel would grasp the seventy years of desolation prophesied by Jeremiah.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty in History: The verse powerfully illustrates God's control over the rise and fall of empires. The transition of power from Babylon to the Medes was not random but part of God's predetermined plan, fulfilling earlier prophecies.
  • Setting the Stage for Prophecy: This historical marker is crucial because it immediately leads into Daniel's realization (in Daniel 9:2) that the seventy years of exile were nearing their end, prompting his earnest prayer and the subsequent vision of the seventy weeks.
  • Transition of World Powers: It marks a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape, as foretold in Daniel's earlier visions, particularly the dream of the great image in Daniel 2, where the silver kingdom (Medo-Persia) succeeds the head of gold (Babylon).

Linguistic Insights

The identity of "Darius the son of Ahasuerus" has been a subject of historical debate. While some scholars identify him with Gobryas, a general of Cyrus, or even Cyrus himself, the text emphasizes his Median lineage and his role as king "over the realm of the Chaldeans." This specific designation helps distinguish him from later Persian kings like Darius Hystaspes or Xerxes (also called Ahasuerus in other biblical books like Esther), reinforcing the precise historical context for Daniel's prophecy.

Practical Application

Daniel 9:1 reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and the unfolding of history. Just as He orchestrated the transition of power in Daniel's time, He continues to govern all things today. For believers, this provides a foundation of trust: no political shift or global event is outside His sovereign control. It also highlights the importance of understanding the times we live in, much like Daniel understood the approaching end of the seventy years, which moved him to seek God in prayer (Daniel 9:3).

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 11:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, [even] I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.

  • Daniel 1:21 (2 votes)

    And Daniel continued [even] unto the first year of king Cyrus.

  • Daniel 5:31 (2 votes)

    And Darius the Median took the kingdom, [being] about threescore and two years old.

  • Daniel 6:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

  • Daniel 6:28 (1 votes)

    So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.