Darius the Great, also known as Darius I, was a prominent ruler of the Persian Empire, reigning from 522 to 486 BC. He is a significant figure in biblical history, particularly in the context of the Jewish exile and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Darius is mentioned in several books of the Bible, including Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, Haggai, and Zechariah.

Historical Context

Darius ascended to the throne following the death of Cambyses II and the overthrow of the usurper Gaumata. His reign is noted for the consolidation and expansion of the Persian Empire, as well as significant administrative reforms. Darius divided the empire into satrapies, or provinces, each overseen by a governor, which helped maintain order and efficient governance across the vast territories.

Darius and the Jews

Darius played a crucial role in the history of the Jewish people during the post-exilic period. After the decree of Cyrus the Great, which allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, the work faced opposition and was halted. It was during the reign of Darius that the construction resumed and was eventually completed.

In the book of Ezra, Darius is depicted as a king who supported the Jewish cause. When the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin sought to stop the rebuilding efforts, they appealed to Darius, questioning the legitimacy of the Jews' actions. Darius ordered a search of the royal archives, which confirmed Cyrus's original decree. Consequently, Darius issued a new decree, commanding that the work on the Temple should not be hindered and that expenses should be paid from the royal treasury (Ezra 6:1-12):

> "Then King Darius issued a decree, and a search was conducted in the archives stored in the treasury of Babylon. And a scroll was found in the fortress of Ecbatana in the province of Media, with the following written on it: Memorandum: In the first year of King Cyrus, he issued a decree concerning the house of God in Jerusalem: Let the house be rebuilt as a place for offering sacrifices, and let its original foundations be retained. Its height is to be sixty cubits and its width sixty cubits, with three layers of cut stones and one of timbers. The costs are to be paid from the royal treasury. Also, the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, must be returned and brought to their place in the temple in Jerusalem. You are also to deposit them in the house of God."

Darius's decree not only allowed the Jews to continue their work but also provided them with the necessary resources, demonstrating his favorable disposition towards them.

Darius in the Book of Daniel

Darius is also mentioned in the book of Daniel, where he is often identified with Darius the Mede, although this identification is debated among scholars. In Daniel 6, Darius is portrayed as a ruler who, despite his initial reluctance, is manipulated into casting Daniel into the lions' den due to a decree that could not be revoked. However, Darius is depicted as being sympathetic to Daniel and rejoices when God delivers Daniel unharmed (Daniel 6:25-27):

> "Then King Darius wrote to the people of every nation and language throughout the land: 'May your prosperity abound. I hereby decree that in every part of my kingdom, men are to tremble in fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end. He delivers and rescues; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.'"

Prophetic Context

The prophets Haggai and Zechariah also ministered during the reign of Darius, encouraging the people to complete the Temple. Their prophecies provided spiritual motivation and assurance of God's presence and favor, reinforcing the political support from Darius.

Darius's reign is thus marked by a significant intersection of Persian imperial policy and Jewish religious restoration, highlighting the providential role of foreign rulers in the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.