Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 9:1
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
Darius was a title given to several Persian kings, including Darius the Mede, who ruled after the fall of Babylon. He is mentioned in Daniel 5:31 and Ezra 4:5, where his role in the history of the Israelites is discussed. Darius means 'lord' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Dan.5.31; son of: Ahasuerus (H0325) Also named: dar.ya.vesh (דָּֽרְיָ֫וֶשׁ "Darius" H1868H) § Darius = "lord" 1) Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, king of the Chaldeans, who succeeded to the Babylonian kingdom on the death of Belshazzar; probably the same as "Astyages" the last king of the Medes (538 BC) 2) Darius, the son of Hystaspes, the founder of the Perso-Arian dynasty (521 BC) 3) Darius II or Darius III 3a) Darius II, Nothus (Ochus) was king of Persia during the time of Nehemiah (424/3-405/4 BC). Darius II is the most probable because he is mentioned by Nehemiah and ruled during the time of Nehemiah 3b) Darius III, Codomannus was king of Persia during its last years at the time of Alexander the Great and was his opponent (336-330 BC)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Darius. See also: Ezra 4:5; Haggai 1:15; Zechariah 7:1.
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes, was a powerful king of Persia who ruled during the time of the Israelites' exile. He's mentioned in the book of Ezra and is known for his marriage to Vashti and his role in biblical history. Ahasuerus played a significant part in shaping the fate of the Israelites.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.4.6; married to Vashti (H2060); father of: Darius (H1868H) § Ahasuerus = "I will be silent and poor" title of the king of Persia, probably Xerxes
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Ahasuerus. See also: Ezra 4:6; Esther 3:7; Daniel 9:1.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
Medai refers to the Medes, a people descended from Japheth, living in Media, a land northwest of Persia. This area is mentioned in the Bible as a significant region. The Medes played a role in biblical events, including the conquest of Babylon.
Definition: also called Mede frequently Group of me.dan (מְדָן "Medan" H4091) § Media or Medes or Madai = "middle land" 1) a people descended from the son of Japheth and who inhabited the territory of Media 2) land inhabited by the descendants of Japheth; located northwest of Persia proper, south and southwest of the Caspian Sea, east of Armenia and Assyria, and west and northwest of the great salt desert of Iram
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Madai, Medes, Media. See also: Genesis 10:2; Esther 10:2; Isaiah 13:17.
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Royalty or royal power refers to the authority and dominion of a king or queen, like Solomon's reign in Israel. It can also mean the kingdom or territory ruled by a monarch. The word is used in the Bible to describe sovereign power and authority.
Definition: 1) royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom, sovereign power 1a) royal power, dominion 1b) reign 1c) kingdom, realm Aramaic equivalent: mal.khu (מַלְכוּ "kingdom" H4437)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: empire, kingdom, realm, reign, royal. See also: Numbers 24:7; Esther 1:9; Psalms 45:7.
Chaldea refers to a region in Mesopotamia and its inhabitants, known for wisdom and astrology, as seen in Daniel 1:4. The Chaldeans lived near the Persian Gulf and were considered wise. They are mentioned in 2 Kings 25:11.
Definition: § Chaldea or Chaldeans = "clod-breakers" 1) a territory in lower Mesopotamia bordering on the Persian Gulf 2) the inhabitants of Chaldea, living on the lower Euphrates and Tigris 3) those persons considered the wisest in the land (by extension)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: Chaldeans, Chaldees, inhabitants of Chaldea. See also: Genesis 11:28; Jeremiah 37:13; Isaiah 13:19.
Context — Daniel’s Prayer for His People
1In the first year of Darius son of Xerxes, a Mede by descent, who was made ruler over the kingdom of the Chaldeans —
2in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the sacred books, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.
3So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Daniel 11:1 |
“And I, in the first year of Darius the Mede, stood up to strengthen and protect him. |
| 2 |
Daniel 1:21 |
And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus. |
| 3 |
Daniel 5:31–1 |
— |
| 4 |
Daniel 6:28 |
So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. |
Daniel 9:1 Summary
[This verse tells us about a new ruler, Darius, who was in charge of the Chaldean kingdom, and it sets the stage for the rest of the events in the book of Daniel. Darius was a Mede by descent, which is significant because the Medes were an important power in the ancient world, as mentioned in Isaiah 13:17. The fact that Darius was made ruler over the Chaldeans shows us that God is in control of human history, just like He was in control when He made Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, as seen in Jeremiah 27:6. By understanding the historical context of this verse, we can see how God is working out His plan, even in the midst of human politics and power struggles, and trust in His sovereignty over our own lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Darius and what was his significance in the Bible?
Darius was a Mede by descent who was made ruler over the kingdom of the Chaldeans, as mentioned in Daniel 9:1, and his reign marked an important period in biblical history, as seen in Daniel 9:1 and Ezekiel 26:7.
What does it mean that Darius was 'made ruler over the kingdom of the Chaldeans'?
This phrase indicates that Darius was appointed as the ruler of the Chaldean kingdom, which was a significant empire at that time, as mentioned in Daniel 9:1, and this event is also referenced in Isaiah 13:19 and Jeremiah 51:24.
How does the first year of Darius' reign relate to the rest of the book of Daniel?
The first year of Darius' reign, mentioned in Daniel 9:1, provides a historical context for the events that unfold in the book of Daniel, including Daniel's prayers and visions, as seen in Daniel 9:2-3 and Daniel 10:1-3.
What can we learn from the fact that Darius was a Mede by descent?
The fact that Darius was a Mede by descent, as mentioned in Daniel 9:1, highlights the fulfillment of biblical prophecies, such as those found in Isaiah 13:17 and Jeremiah 51:11, which foretold the rise of the Medes as a significant power in the ancient world.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from the way Darius is described as a ruler in this verse, and how can I apply those lessons to my own life?
- How does the historical context of this verse, including the mention of Darius and the Chaldean kingdom, help me understand the bigger picture of God's plan?
- What does this verse reveal about God's sovereignty over human history, and how can I trust in His plan for my own life?
- In what ways can I, like Daniel, seek to understand God's plan and timing, as mentioned in Daniel 9:2, and apply that understanding to my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 9:1
In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes,.... This is the same with Darius the Median, that took the kingdom after the death of Belshazzar; so called, to distinguish
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 9:1
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; The world-powers here recede from the view; Israel, and the salvation
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 9:1
DANIEL CHAPTER 9 Daniel, considering the time of the captivity, ,2, maketh confession of his people’ s sins, , and prayeth for the restoration of Jerusalem, . Gabriel informeth him of the seventy weeks, and of the time and death of the Messiah, and of the succeeding troubles, . In the first year of Darius; that is, immediately after the overthrow of the kingdom of Babylon, which was also the year of the Jews’ deliverance from their seventy years’ captivity; therefore punctually here set down. The Lord hath carefully recorded the several periods of time that relate to his church, and the signal providences both of mercy or judgment exercised towards it; for hereby God is glorified in the signal displaying of his attributes, and the saints’ graces exercised, especially faith and patience, by calling to mind what God hath done in time past, . This Darius was not Darius the Persian, under whom the temple was built, as Porphyrius would have it, that thereby he might persuade unlearned men that Daniel lived long after the time that he did live in. Therefore this is called Darius the Mede, and by the Greeks called Cyaxares. Which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans; and this is confirmed by Xenophon.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 9:1
Daniel 9:1 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;Ver. 1. In the first year of Darius,] i.e., Of Darius Priseus, who, together with Cyrus the Persian, took Babylon, and with it the kingdom or monarchy of the Chaldeans, by the consent of Cyrus, who married his daughter, and had the kingdom of Media with her for a dowry, after Darius’ death, as Xenophon testifieth. The son of Ahasuerus.] Called Cyaxares by the Greek historians. Both these names signify a great prince, an emperor; like as now we say the Great Turk, the Great Cham of Cacaia, &c. Cyrop., lib. viii.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 9:1
IX. (1) On Darius the Mede see Excursus D.Was made king.—The phrase corresponds with “took the kingdom” (Daniel 5:31), and shows that Darius was not king by his own right, but that he received his authority from another—i.e., Cyrus.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 9:1
CHAPTER IX Daniel, understanding from the prophecies of Jeremiah that the seventy years' captivity was now terminating, pours out his soul in fervent prayer to God, and earnestly supplicates pardon and restoration for his captive people, 1-12. When thus supplicating God in behalf of Israel, the angel Gabriel is sent to inform him of the seventy prophetic weeks, or four hundred and ninety natural years, which should elapse from the date of the edict to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple to the death of the Messiah, 20-27; a prophecy most exactly fulfilled by the event, according to the computation of the best chronologers. Dean Prideaux states the commencement of these seventy prophetic weeks to have been in the month Nisan, in the year of the Julian period 4256, which corresponds with A.M. 3546, B.C. 458, according to the Usherian account. How awfully are the Jews blinded, who, in contradiction to so clear a prophecy, still expect the Messiah who was cut off, and, after suffering, is entered into his glory! NOTES ON CHAP. IX Verse 1. In the first year of Darius] This is the same Darius the Mede, spoken of before, who succeeded Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans. See Daniel 5:31.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 9:1
1. Darius] i.e. ‘Darius the Mede,’ Daniel 5:31 : cf. Daniel 6:1 ff. The date is fixed suitably: the first year after the conquest of Babylon would be a time when, in view of the promises of Jeremiah and the second Isaiah (e.g. Isaiah 44:28; Isaiah 45:13), thoughts of restoration would naturally be stirring in the minds of the Jewish exiles. the son of Ahasuerus] Ahasuerus,—properly ’Ǎ ?chashwηrτsh, also in Ezra 4:6, and Esther, passim—is the Hebrew form of the Persian Khshayβrshβ, the Greek Xerxes, called in contemporary Aramaic Chshiarsh (ηωׁ ?ιΰψωׁ)[331]. Cf. p. liv, and on Daniel 5:31. [331] See the writer’s Introduction, p. 512 (ed. 6, p. 546), note.of the seed of the Medes] See Daniel 5:31. For the expression cf. Esther 6:13. was made king] See on Daniel 5:31, ‘received the kingdom.’
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 9:1
In the first year of Darius - See the notes at Daniel 5:31, and Introuction to Dan. 6 Section II. The king here referred to under this name was Cyaxares II, who lived between Astyages and Cyrus, and in whom was the title of king.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 9:1
1. For “Darius the Mede” see our Introduction, III, 3, (5), and note Daniel 5:31.
Sermons on Daniel 9:1
| Sermon | Description |
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Predictions - Housing Crash Depression
by Andrew Strom
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In this sermon, the speaker discusses the influence of the American gospel and Jesus on other countries. He expresses concern about how American culture, including gangs and rap so |
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The Seventy 70's of Daniel
by Stephen Kaung
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In this sermon, Brother Stephen Cohn discusses God's plan for His people, Israel, and the church. He emphasizes God's concern for His chosen people to be fully restored to Him. Coh |
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(Daniel) Daniel the Intercessor
by David Guzik
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In this sermon, the speaker discusses the reliability and inspiration of the scriptures. They emphasize that while there may be some minor errors or copying mistakes in the transmi |
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John Sung by David Smithers
by John Sung
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David Smithers preaches about the life and ministry of John Sung, a remarkable revivalist who embodied the prophetic voice of repentance in the modern Church. He emphasizes that li |
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A Clearer Vision of Christ
by David Wilkerson
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David Wilkerson emphasizes the transformative power of repentance as illustrated in the book of Daniel. After Daniel's heartfelt confession, he received a profound vision of Jesus |
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The Remnant Principle - 5
by Chip Brogden
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Chip Brogden preaches on the principles learned from the Book of Daniel. He emphasizes the Lord's Purpose for Christ to have preeminence, the concept of a Remnant chosen to fulfill |
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A Famine of Hearing
by T.M. Moore
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T.M. Moore preaches on the importance of truly hearing the Word of God, emphasizing that where the Word is genuinely heard, it will bear fruit in the lives of those who hear it. Dr |