How Many King Darius in the Bible?
The Bible, a sacred text for Christians, Jews, and Muslims, contains numerous references to kings and rulers throughout its pages. One such figure is King Darius, who appears in several passages, leading to the question: How many King Darius are there in the Bible? This article delves into the biblical references to King Darius and seeks to provide a comprehensive answer to this intriguing question.
In the Old Testament, King Darius is mentioned several times. The most prominent instances are found in the Books of Ezra and Daniel. These references are crucial in understanding the historical context and the significance of King Darius in the biblical narrative. The first King Darius mentioned in the Bible is Darius the Great, who ruled the Persian Empire from 522 to 486 BCE. His reign is marked by the construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, which is documented in the Books of Ezra.
King Darius the Great: The Builder of the Second Temple
The first King Darius referred to in the Bible is Darius the Great, who is known for his role in the construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. After the Babylonian exile, the Jewish people returned to their homeland and began the process of rebuilding the temple. However, their efforts were hindered by opposition from the local Persian authorities. It was King Darius the Great who issued a decree allowing the Jews to continue their construction work. The Books of Ezra provide a detailed account of the construction of the Second Temple and the efforts of the Jewish people to rebuild their religious sanctuary.
King Darius III: The Final Persian Emperor
The second King Darius mentioned in the Bible is Darius III, who ruled the Persian Empire from 336 to 330 BCE. Darius III is known for his defeat by Alexander the Great, which marked the end of the Achaemenid Empire. In the biblical narrative, Darius III is associated with the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den. According to the Book of Daniel, King Darius III ordered Daniel to be thrown into a den of lions for refusing to worship the king’s image. However, Daniel was protected by God, and he emerged unharmed from the den.
King Darius II: The Builder of the Palace of Darius
Another King Darius mentioned in the Bible is Darius II, who ruled the Persian Empire from 423 to 405 BCE. Darius II is known for his role in the construction of the Palace of Darius, which is mentioned in the Book of Esther. The Book of Esther recounts the story of Queen Esther, who saved the Jewish people from genocide under the rule of King Ahasuerus. The Persian king Ahasuerus is believed to be Xerxes I, but the actual name of the king is not specified in the biblical text. However, some scholars suggest that King Darius II could be the intended referent, as he was known for his building projects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible mentions three different King Dariuses. Darius the Great is known for his role in the construction of the Second Temple, while Darius III is associated with the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den. Additionally, King Darius II is mentioned in the Book of Esther, where he is believed to be the builder of the Palace of Darius. These references to King Darius highlight the significance of this historical figure in the biblical narrative and provide valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of the time.
