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Notable Sources
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Darius the Mede's Governance
TANAKH
Darius the Mede's administrative organization of his kingdom, with the appointment of one hundred and twenty satraps, showcases an early example of structured governance. The book of Daniel, part of the Hebrew Bible, recounts Darius the Mede's rise to power and his strategic decision to appoint satraps to manage his vast kingdom.
Alexander the Great and the Jews
REFERENCE
The encounter between Alexander the Great and the Jewish people reveals the Jews' loyalty to King Darius and the strategic actions of the High Priest Simon the Just. This historical legend showcases the tension and diplomacy between the Jewish community and foreign powers during the early Second Temple period.
The Jewish Status of Darius
HALAKHAH
Darius, traditionally identified as the son of Queen Esther, presents a fascinating case of Jewish identity and lineage. Rabbi Isaac Schmelkes' responsum explores the complexities of Darius's Jewish status, given his Jewish mother and non-Jewish upbringing.
Darius' Decree and Divine Retribution
MIDRASH
King Darius reinforced the decree set by King Cyrus, invoking divine retribution against anyone who would alter or destroy the House of God in Jerusalem. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a midrashic work, recounts the historical context of the Jewish exile in Babylon and the decrees by Persian kings supporting the rebuilding of the Second Temple.
The Limited Rule of Darius
TALMUD
Darius did not rule over the entire world, as evidenced by the fact that he ruled over 120 provinces, whereas his son Ahasuerus ruled over 127 provinces. The Babylonian Talmud in Tractate Megillah discusses the extent of King Darius's rule, comparing it to that of his son Ahasuerus.
Navigating Political Mandates
COMMENTARY
The returnees from exile had to navigate the political landscape by relating King Darius’s mandate to the king's officers. Rashi, the renowned 11th-century French biblical commentator, provides insights into the historical context of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile under King Darius's decree.
Resuming the Temple Construction
TANAKH
The construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem faced significant interruptions, only resuming in the second year of King Darius of Persia's reign. The book of Ezra, part of the Hebrew Bible, details the challenges and triumphs of the Jewish return to Israel and the rebuilding of the Temple after the Babylonian exile.
The Governance of King Darius
COMMENTARY
The administrative organization of Darius's kingdom, with its one hundred and twenty satraps, showcases the complexity and efficiency of ancient governance. The Book of Daniel provides a detailed account of how King Darius structured his kingdom, highlighting Daniel's significant role within this system.
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