and Darius the Mede, who was then sixty-two years old, seized the royal power.

Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

and there beside the river I saw a ram that had two long horns, one of which was longer and newer than the other.

I watched the ram butting with his horns to the west, the north, and the south. No animal could stop him or escape his power. He did as he pleased and grew arrogant.

"The ram you saw that had two horns represents the kingdoms of Media and Persia.

Darius the Mede, who was the son of Xerxes, ruled over the kingdom of Babylonia.

The LORD says, "I am stirring up the Medes to attack Babylon. They care nothing for silver and are not tempted by gold.

I have seen a vision of cruel events, a vision of betrayal and destruction. Army of Elam, attack! Army of Media, lay siege to the cities! God will put an end to the suffering which Babylon has caused.

The LORD has chosen Cyrus to be king. He has appointed him to conquer nations; he sends him to strip kings of their power; the LORD will open the gates of cities for him. To Cyrus the LORD says,

"I myself will prepare your way, leveling mountains and hills. I will break down bronze gates and smash their iron bars.