The name of three Persian kings of the Achamenid dynasty and of a ruler of uncertain identification mentioned in the Book of Daniel.
Darius I the Great (Hystaspes) (522-486 B. C.) succeeded Cambyses II. His account of the struggle for the succession to the throne of Persia appears in the famous trilingual Behistun inscription, where he tells how he defeated the impostor Gaumata who had usurped the throne in Cambyses' absence. This inscription, and that on his tomb at Naqsh-i Rustam, as well as his decree to cease further obstruction and promote the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 6:12; Hag 1:1-2, 15) afford an insight into Darius' tolerant attitude in matters of religion. The prophet Haggai's oracles are dated to the middle of 520 B.C., before Darius had succeeded in putting down the rebellion that had erupted throughout his empire, and while the future of the Persian empire was still in doubt. Haggai regarded the upheaval as foreshadowing God's imminent intervention, and therefore urged the community to rebuild the Temple (Ezra 5:1ff; 6:14). However, by the end of 520 Darius had crushed his foes and extended his empire. Zechariah, although his prophecies fall mainly after Darius' victories, continued to encourage his people in their efforts (Zech chaps. 1-8; note date in 7:1).
Darius II (Nothus) (442-404 B.C.). The reference in Nehemiah 12:22 may be to Darius II.
Darius III (Codomanus) (336-330 B.C.), the last king of Persia (cf "the fourth king of Persia" in Dan 11:2). Following his disastrous defeat at the hands of Alexander the Great he was murdered by Bessus, satrap of Bactria, and the Persian empire came to an end.
Darius the Mede: son of Ahasuerus (Dan 9:1) who according to Daniel 5:30-31 succeeded Belshazzar and preceded Cyrus as king of Babylon (cf Dan 6:28). Many historical difficulties have arisen from these references, causing much confusion (see DANIEL, BOOK OF). One explanation is based on the Achemenian concept of three world monarchies: the Chaldeans founded the first empire, the Medes the second, and the Persians the last. The Jews regarded Darius, who conquered Babylon, as a Median, successor to the Chaldean, Belshazzar, and predecessor of Cyrus the Persian.
Concordance
Ezra 4:5, 24; 5:5-7; 6:1, 12-15. Neh 12:22. Dan 5:31; 6:1, 6, 9,25, 28; 9:1; 11:1. Hag 1:1,15; 2:10. Zech 1:1, 7; 7:1
