Daniel 6:28
So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Daniel's continued prosperity under Cyrus (539-530 BC) is historically significant. Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BC, establishing Persian dominance over the former Babylonian Empire. His policies included religious tolerance and restoration of displaced peoples, famously allowing Jewish exiles to return and rebuild Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-4). Daniel, present in Cyrus's court, may have influenced this decree or at minimum witnessed prophecy's fulfillment.
Archaeological evidence (Cyrus Cylinder, biblical accounts, Persian administrative texts) confirms Daniel's historical reliability. Persian rulers employed capable administrators regardless of ethnic origin, explaining Daniel's continued service despite being a Jewish exile. His longevity in power through multiple regime changes demonstrates both exceptional ability and divine protection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Daniel's lifelong prosperity despite persecution demonstrate God's faithfulness to sustain His servants from youth through old age?
- What does Daniel's continued influence under successive rulers teach about how vindicated faithfulness produces greater opportunities for service?
- How does Daniel's story arc point to Christ's suffering followed by exaltation and believers' promised reward for endurance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The concluding summary—"So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian"—demonstrates God's faithfulness to preserve and bless His servant. The verb "prospered" (Aramaic hitzlach, הִצְלַח) means flourished, succeeded, had good fortune—Daniel didn't merely survive but thrived under both monarchs. This fulfills divine promises that those who honor God will be honored (1 Samuel 2:30) and that the righteous ultimately prosper despite temporary persecution (Psalm 1:3).
The mention of both Darius and Cyrus spans Daniel's final years (approximately 539-530 BC), when he was in his eighties. His prosperity under consecutive Persian rulers demonstrates that his lions' den deliverance didn't produce backlash or end his career, but rather confirmed his integrity and value. God's vindication led to continued influence and blessing. This pattern holds: faithfulness tested and vindicated produces greater usefulness and opportunity.
Daniel's prosperity brackets the entire book—beginning as a young exile who refused defilement (1:8) and concluding as an honored elder who survived lions through faithfulness (6:28). This demonstrates the multi-decade arc of covenant faithfulness: God sustains His servants from youth through old age, vindicating trust and using them for His purposes across generations and empires. It points to Christ, who endured suffering and was exalted to highest honor (Philippians 2:8-11), and promises believers that faithful endurance results in eternal reward (2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 2:10).