Topical Encyclopedia Darius I, also known as Darius the Great, was the third king of the Persian Achaemenid Empire, reigning from 522 to 486 BC. His rule is noted for its significant impact on the Jewish people, particularly in the context of their return from the Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.Historical Context Darius ascended to the throne following the death of Cambyses II and the brief rule of the usurper Gaumata. His reign is marked by the consolidation of the Persian Empire, extensive administrative reforms, and significant construction projects. Darius is often remembered for his role in the continuation of policies initiated by his predecessor, Cyrus the Great, who had allowed the Jews to return to their homeland after the Babylonian captivity. Emancipation and Support for the Jews The emancipation of the Jews under Darius is primarily documented in the biblical books of Ezra and Haggai. After the initial return of the exiles under Cyrus, the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem faced opposition and was halted. It was during the reign of Darius that the work resumed and was eventually completed. In the book of Ezra, it is recorded that the Jewish leaders, including Zerubbabel and Jeshua, resumed the construction of the Temple in the second year of Darius's reign. This was encouraged by the prophetic ministries of Haggai and Zechariah, who urged the people to rebuild the house of the Lord. The local opposition, however, led to an inquiry being sent to Darius regarding the legitimacy of the Jews' actions. Darius's response is found in Ezra 6:1-12. After a search of the royal archives, a decree from Cyrus was discovered, confirming the Jews' right to rebuild the Temple. Darius then issued his own decree, not only affirming this right but also providing resources for the construction and protection for the workers. Ezra 6:7-8 states, "Leave the work on this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its original site. Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these Jewish elders in the construction of this house of God: The expenses are to be fully paid to these men from the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop." Completion of the Temple Under Darius's patronage, the Temple was completed in the sixth year of his reign, as recorded in Ezra 6:15 : "And this temple was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius." The dedication of the Temple was celebrated with great joy by the Jewish community, marking a significant moment in their post-exilic restoration. Religious and Political Implications Darius's support for the Jewish people can be seen as part of his broader policy of religious tolerance and administrative pragmatism. By allowing the Jews to rebuild their Temple, Darius not only fulfilled the decree of Cyrus but also secured the loyalty of a strategically important region within his empire. This act of emancipation and support for the Jewish community is viewed as a divine orchestration, aligning with the biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Darius's reign, therefore, holds a significant place in Jewish history, as it facilitated the restoration of worship and religious identity in Jerusalem, setting the stage for the subsequent developments in the Second Temple period. Nave's Topical Index Ezra 5:1Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even to them. Nave's Topical Index Ezra 6:1 Haggai 1:1,15 Zechariah 1:1 Resources Who were the satraps in the book of Daniel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the book of Susanna? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the Medo-Persian Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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