Darius דָּֽרְיָ֫וֶשׁ
Persian Emperor during the time of the Levites
Who is Darius in the Bible?
Darius was a Persian emperor mentioned in Nehemiah 12:22 as ruling during the time of the Levites Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua who served in the Temple after the Babylonian exile. This Darius is likely Darius II Nothus, who reigned from 423 to 404 BC. The reference to Darius in the priestly genealogy serves as a historical marker showing that Jewish Temple worship and Levitical service continued under Persian imperial rule. His mention demonstrates the continuity of religious practice in Jerusalem during this period of Jewish restoration.
Biography
Darius, mentioned in Neh.12.22, was a Persian king who reigned during the time of the Levites Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua. This passage is part of a list of priests and Levites who served in the Temple after the Babylonian exile.
The mention of Darius in this context serves as a historical marker, indicating that these Levites served during his reign. This Darius is likely Darius II Nothus, who ruled the Persian Empire from 423 to 404 BC.
The inclusion of Darius' name in this list demonstrates the continuity of the priestly and Levitical service in the Temple, even under Persian rule. It also shows that the Jewish community in Jerusalem maintained their religious practices and recorded their history during this period.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentNehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 12:22
"In the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua, during the reign of Darius the Persian, the heads of the families of the Levites and priests were recorded."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | דָּֽרְיָ֫וֶשׁ | Darejavesh , a title (rather than name) of several Persian kings |