Daniel 6 1

Daniel 6:1 kjv

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

Daniel 6:1 nkjv

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom;

Daniel 6:1 niv

It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom,

Daniel 6:1 esv

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom;

Daniel 6:1 nlt

Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province.

Daniel 6 verses

Daniel 6 1 meaning

This verse initiates the sixth chapter of Daniel, marking the immediate administrative changes following the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian empire. It describes the sovereign decision of Darius to establish a new hierarchical governance system by appointing one hundred and twenty satraps to administer the entire newly conquered kingdom. This act underscores the establishment of a vast and organized imperial rule, setting the stage for Daniel's significant role within this new political order.

Daniel 6 1 Context

Daniel 6:1 transitions directly from the preceding chapter, where King Belshazzar of Babylon was killed and his kingdom given to "Darius the Mede." This verse thus opens a new era under Medo-Persian rule, signaling a fresh political administration. Darius's initial action to appoint 120 satraps immediately after conquering such a vast empire reflects a strategic effort to establish firm control, maintain order, and manage the extensive new territory effectively. This act forms the foundational administrative backdrop for the subsequent narrative, leading directly to Daniel's elevation as one of the three chief presidents, the envy of other officials, and the conspiracy that ultimately leads to his dramatic encounter in the lions' den. Historically, such widespread appointments were common for consolidating power in ancient empires, though the exact figure of 120 for an entire empire in secular sources differs for the Persian Empire under Darius I, who ruled later. The number may reflect an early Median system, sub-divisions, or the author's emphasis on comprehensive control within the narrative.

Daniel 6 1 Word analysis

• It pleased (וּשְׁפַר - u-shephar): This Aramaic verb, from the root meaning "to be good, pleasing, or suitable," denotes a deliberate and well-considered decision by Darius. It wasn't an arbitrary act but a measured royal initiative. It highlights the king's prerogative and that the proposed system was deemed fit or appropriate by him.
• Darius (דָּרְיָוֶשׁ - Daryavesh): This is "Darius the Mede" introduced in Dan 5:31. While his precise historical identity remains a subject of academic debate (some identify him with Cyrus, a general named Gubaru/Gobryas, or a co-regent/vassal king under Cyrus), within the biblical narrative, he represents the new supreme authority after the fall of Babylon, initiating a new era of governance.
• to set over (וְהֵקִים - v'heqim): Derived from the Aramaic verb qum meaning "to stand" or "to establish," this form indicates a causative action. Darius actively "caused to stand" or "established" these officials. It signifies his direct action and authority in creating the administrative structure.
• the kingdom (עַל מַלְכוּתָא - al malkuta): Refers to the newly acquired Medo-Persian empire, recently conquered from the Babylonians. The scope of his rule is vast, encompassing the previous Babylonian territories.
• 120 (מָאתַיִן וְעֶשְׂרִין - ma'tayīn v'iśrīn): This specific number implies a highly organized and systematically divided administration. It suggests an extensive network of delegated authority across a broad geographical area, underscoring the king's reach. While larger Persian empires are noted for fewer major satrapies (e.g., 20-27 under Darius I), this might reflect an earlier Median administrative model, local sub-divisions not centrally documented, or a biblical emphasis on comprehensive and thorough management.
• satraps (אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנִין - aḥashdarpanīn): A loanword from Old Persian xšaçapāvan, meaning "protector of the kingdom/province." These were high-ranking provincial governors, directly appointed by the king, responsible for the civil, military, and financial administration of their respective regions. Their role here is crucial, as they form the primary layer of administration, providing the framework for Daniel's later challenges.
• who should be (דִּי לֶהֶוְוֹן - di lehevon): An Aramaic clause introducing the purpose or function of the satraps—their designated role.
• throughout the whole kingdom (בְּכָל מַלְכוּתָא - b'khol malkuta): This phrase emphasizes the extensive and comprehensive nature of the new administration. The king's authority was intended to reach every part of his vast dominion through these appointed officials, showcasing the ambition and reach of this human empire.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• It pleased Darius to set: This phrase underscores the royal initiative and sovereign authority of Darius. The decision for such an elaborate administrative structure originated directly from the top, emphasizing the top-down nature of imperial rule and the king's personal will in shaping the new government.
• over the kingdom 120 satraps: This group of words defines the core administrative action: the division of the vast, newly acquired empire into numerous regional units, each supervised by a high-ranking official. It highlights both the geographical scope of Darius's rule and the meticulousness of his organizational strategy.
• who should be throughout the whole kingdom: This phrase elaborates on the mandate and extensive reach of the satraps. It clarifies that these appointed governors were not confined to specific areas but were integral to a comprehensive administrative network designed to govern every corner of Darius's extensive realm, consolidating imperial control.

Daniel 6 1 Bonus section

The act of establishing a widespread administrative system, as seen with the 120 satraps, is a testament to the organizational ambition of human empires seeking to consolidate power. This aligns with other historical accounts of major empires needing sophisticated governance to manage vast territories. The number 120, though not consistently replicated in all secular accounts of later Persian administrative divisions, signifies an intensely detailed and comprehensive attempt to govern. From a biblical perspective, it accentuates the scale of the human kingdom that Daniel—a single, faithful servant of God—must navigate and eventually triumphs within. This meticulous human ordering provides a stark contrast to God's simple, eternal decrees, foreshadowing that even such immense and organized human power will bow before divine authority, as will be demonstrated through Daniel's miraculous deliverance.

Daniel 6 1 Commentary

Daniel 6:1 lays the administrative groundwork for the subsequent narrative by detailing Darius's first major governmental act. The establishment of 120 satrapies throughout his kingdom demonstrates a deliberate and strategic effort to organize and control a newly acquired, vast empire. This systematic delegation of authority highlights both the formidable scale of human empires and their attempts at ordered governance. More importantly for the narrative, this creation of numerous high-ranking officials also introduces a fertile ground for human ambition, jealousy, and potential conflict, elements crucial to the plot against Daniel. The verse thus sets the historical and political stage for the unfolding drama, underscoring that even the most meticulously planned human systems are subject to the challenges of human nature, which will ultimately serve to reveal God's sovereignty over all earthly powers.