Changes

# The equation Cyrus=Darius makes it difficult to understand why the author of Daniel would repeatedly make distinctions between “Darius the Mede” and “Cyrus the Persian.”  

# The equation Cyrus=Darius makes it difficult to understand why the author of Daniel would repeatedly make distinctions between “Darius the Mede” and “Cyrus the Persian.”  

# In Cyrus’s inscriptions, and in other ancient references, Cyrus is never referred to as a Mede or as a king of the Medes; he is always “Cyrus the Persian,” “Cyrus King of Persia,” or “Cyrus King of Anshan” (a capital of Persia).  

# In Cyrus’s inscriptions, and in other ancient references, Cyrus is never referred to as a Mede or as a king of the Medes; he is always “Cyrus the Persian,” “Cyrus King of Persia,” or “Cyrus King of Anshan” (a capital of Persia).  

# According to Xenophon,<ref>''Cyropaedia'' 1.2.8, 9; 1.5.4.</ref> Cyrus was about 27 years of age when he assumed the generalship of the combined Median and Persian armies in preparation for war with the Babylonians under their chosen general, Croesus of Lydia. This was apparently a year or two before the eventual defeat of Croesus and his forces in 547 BC, which would make Cyrus about 29 in 547 and about 37 when his forces captured Babylon in 539 BC. This is consistent with the “Dream Text” of Nabonidus that calls Cyrus a “young servant” of Marduk when he became leader of the Medes and Persians.<ref>Paul-Alain Beaulieu, ''The Reign of Nabonidus, King of Babylon 556–539 B.C.'' (New Haven CT: Yale University Press, 1989), 108.</ref> Darius “the Mede”, however, was about 62 years of age in 539 BC (Daniel 5:31).

# According to Xenophon,<ref>''Cyropaedia'' 1.2.8, 9; 1.5.4.</ref> Cyrus was about 27 years of age when he assumed the generalship of the combined Median and Persian armies in preparation for war with the Babylonians under their chosen general, Croesus of Lydia. This was apparently a year or two before the eventual defeat of Croesus and his forces in 547 BC, which would make Cyrus about 29 in 547 and about 37 when his forces captured Babylon in 539 BC. This is consistent with the “Dream Text” of [[Nabonidus]] that calls Cyrus a “young servant” of Marduk when he became leader of the Medes and Persians.<ref>Paul-Alain Beaulieu, ''The Reign of Nabonidus, King of Babylon 556–539 B.C.'' (New Haven CT: Yale University Press, 1989), 108.</ref> Darius “the Mede”, however, was about 62 years of age in 539 BC (Daniel 5:31).

===Darius as Cambyses II, son and successor of Cyrus===

===Darius as Cambyses II, son and successor of Cyrus===

This identification was proposed by the Anglican clergyman Charles Boutflower.<ref>Charles Boutflower, ''In and around the Book of Daniel'' (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1923; reprint; Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1977), 142–45.</ref> It was based in part on some cuneiform texts suggesting that Cambyses II may have been appointed coregent by his father soon after the capture of Babylon. He could therefore properly be called “king,” and might fill the role of the Darius who “received the kingdom” (Daniel 5:31).  

This identification was proposed by the Anglican clergyman Charles Boutflower.<ref>Charles Boutflower, ''In and around the Book of Daniel'' (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1923; reprint; Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1977), 142–45.</ref> It was based in part on some cuneiform texts suggesting that Cambyses II may have been appointed coregent by his father soon after the capture of Babylon. He could therefore properly be called “king,” and might fill the role of the Darius who “received the kingdom” (Daniel 5:31).