Bible Figure
Darius the Mede
biblical character (Book of Daniel), ancient king
Darius the Mede is the ruler in Daniel who received the Babylonian kingdom after Belshazzar and reluctantly cast Daniel into the lions' den.
Biography
Daniel 5 says Darius the Mede received the kingdom after Belshazzar was killed. Daniel 6 portrays him organizing the realm under officials and planning to elevate Daniel because of his exceptional character. Jealous administrators manipulated Darius into issuing an irrevocable decree forbidding petitions to anyone but the king for thirty days. Daniel continued praying to God and was thrown into the lions' den. Darius spent the night fasting, hurried to the den at dawn, and rejoiced when Daniel was found alive. He then issued a proclamation honoring Daniel's God. The precise historical identification of Darius the Mede remains debated.
Biblical Significance
Darius the Mede is central to Daniel 6, where the limitations of royal law contrast with God's power to deliver His faithful servant. The database should distinguish the biblical description from uncertain attempts at exact historical identification.