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Book of Daniel - Chapter 6 - Verse 1

6:1
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

Meaning

After conquering the Babylonian Empire, King Darius of the Medo-Persian empire established a new system of governance by appointing 120 princes to oversee the various regions of his kingdom. This decision allowed Darius to effectively administer his vast empire by decentralizing power and delegating authority to trusted individuals. Each prince was given responsibility over a specific portion of the kingdom, ensuring that every area was properly managed and that the needs of the people were met. By appointing these princes, Darius aimed to maintain stability and unity throughout his empire, as well as to uphold his rule over the entire territory. This verse showcases Darius's strategic leadership skills and his ability to create a structured and efficient administrative system.

Theological Overview

Within this verse, we see Darius, the king, making a decision to appoint one hundred and twenty princes to oversee his vast kingdom. In a theological interpretation, one can see this as a symbol of the divine order of leadership established by God. The idea of having multiple princes in charge shows a form of delegation by Darius, much like how God delegates responsibilities to his chosen people. The number one hundred and twenty may also have a spiritual significance, as it is often seen in the Bible representing completeness or fullness. This act of appointing princes can be seen as a way for Darius to ensure the efficient administration of his kingdom, mirroring the organizational structure that God establishes for his people in the Bible.

American Standard Version

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom a hundred and twenty satraps, who should be throughout the whole kingdom;
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