Daniel 5:31
And Darius the Median tooke the kingdome, being about threescore and two yeere old. Daniel 5:31 (KJV)
This verse concludes the fifth chapter of the Book of Daniel, which records the famous incident known as “The Writing on the Wall” or “Belshazzar’s Feast.” In that narrative King Belshazzar of Babylon hosted a lavish banquet and, in a display of irreverence, used the sacred vessels taken from the Jerusalem temple to praise his idols. During the feast a mysterious hand appeared and wrote on the wall, a sight that greatly troubled the king and his guests. None of the wise men present could interpret the enigmatic inscription, so Daniel was summoned to provide its meaning.
Before offering the interpretation, Daniel reminded Belshazzar of the lessons learned by his predecessor, King Nebuchadnezzar, who had been humbled by God through a similar experience. Daniel then explained that the writing declared that God had numbered Belshazzar’s kingdom, found it wanting, and would give it to the Medes and Persians. Verse 31 specifically records that Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about sixty‑two years old.
The identity of this ruler has been a matter of scholarly debate. Some scholars propose that “Darius the Median” is another name for Cyrus the Great, the Persian king who ultimately conquered Babylon. Others suggest that Darius the Median was a distinct, short‑lived ruler who reigned briefly between the fall of Babylon and the rise of Cyrus. It is important to note that the verse itself provides no extensive biographical details about Darius the Median; its primary purpose is to emphasize the transfer of authority from Babylon to the Medes and Persians.
Thus, the focus of Daniel 5:31 is less about a comprehensive historical account of the succeeding monarchs and more about the theological message that God’s sovereign judgment brings down the proud and raises a new order. The passage underscores the certainty of divine judgment and the inevitability of change when a nation turns away from the God of Israel.
