Daniel Chapter 9 · Verse 1
In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;
Original Language Analysis
אַחַ֗ת
In the first
H259
אַחַ֗ת
In the first
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
לְדָרְיָ֛וֶשׁ
of Darius
H1867
לְדָרְיָ֛וֶשׁ
of Darius
Strong's:
H1867
Word #:
3 of 12
darejavesh, a title (rather than name) of several persian kings
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֖וֹשׁ
of Ahasuerus
H325
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֖וֹשׁ
of Ahasuerus
Strong's:
H325
Word #:
5 of 12
achashverosh (i.e., ahasuerus or artaxerxes, but in this case xerxes), the title (rather than name) of a persian king
מִזֶּ֣רַע
of the seed
H2233
מִזֶּ֣רַע
of the seed
Strong's:
H2233
Word #:
6 of 12
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָמְלַ֔ךְ
which was made king
H4427
הָמְלַ֔ךְ
which was made king
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
9 of 12
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
עַ֖ל
H5921
עַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Historical identification of Darius the Mede remains debated—possibly Cyrus himself, a governor under Cyrus, or Gubaru mentioned in extra-biblical sources. Regardless of precise identification, the text establishes Persian control over Babylon. Daniel, now 80+, had served through multiple regime changes. The Medo-Persian conquest fulfilled earlier prophecy (Daniel 2:39; 5:28). Archaeological evidence including the Nabonidus Chronicle and Cyrus Cylinder documents the conquest, though they don't mention Darius by this name.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's faithfulness through political transitions encourage believers facing uncertainty in changing times?
- What does Daniel's survival and continued service through multiple empires teach about engaging culture without compromising faith?
Analysis & Commentary
Chapter 9 opens with chronological and political markers: 'In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans.' This dates to 539 BC, immediately after Babylon's fall to Medo-Persian forces. The detail 'made king' indicates Darius was appointed by higher authority (possibly Cyrus). This historical precision grounds the coming prophetic revelation in real time and space. Daniel's life now spans Babylonian and Persian empires, demonstrating God's faithfulness through political upheaval.