What was Mede?

The term “Mede” refers to the ancient people of Media, a region located in the northwestern part of present-day Iran. In the Bible, particularly in Daniel 11, the Medes appear as part of the Medo-Persian Empire, a significant force in God’s unfolding plan for the nations and Israel. The Hebrew term is Madai (מָדַי), related to the son of Japheth (Genesis 10:2), and is associated with the ethnic and political group that came to power in alliance with Persia. In the Greek of the Septuagint, Mēdoi (Μῆδοι) is used.

In Daniel 11, the term “Mede” does not appear directly as a name but is understood within the historical background of the Medo-Persian Empire mentioned in Daniel 2, 5, 6, 8, and 11. This empire is symbolized in Daniel’s visions and prophecies as a ram with two horns (Daniel 8:3–4, 20), representing the duality of Media and Persia, with Persia being the dominant partner (Daniel 8:20).

Biblical References and Historical Setting

Although Daniel 11 does not name the Mede people specifically, it opens with a reference to “Darius the Mede” (Daniel 11:1), reinforcing the theme introduced earlier in the book. The angel speaking to Daniel says:

“And in the first year of Darius the Mede, I took my stand to support and protect him.”
— Daniel 11:1, NIV

This sets the historical context for the chapter. Darius the Mede is also referenced in Daniel 5:31, 6:1, and 9:1, where he is presented as the ruler who received the kingdom after the fall of Babylon.

In Daniel 2:39, Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and describes the second kingdom as inferior to Babylon but succeeding it. This is widely understood to represent the Medo-Persian Empire, with the Medes playing a foundational role.

Daniel 8:20 explicitly interprets the vision of the ram:

“The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia.”
— Daniel 8:20, NIV

The Medes in Biblical Narrative

Historically, the Medes were a powerful Indo-Iranian people who rose to prominence in the 7th century BC. They helped conquer the Assyrian Empire alongside the Babylonians, then entered a political alliance with Persia through Cyrus the Great. Eventually, Persia absorbed Media, but the union became a dual monarchy, with both peoples referenced in official titles and inscriptions.

In Daniel’s visions, this Medo-Persian kingdom stands as a sovereign entity used by God to judge Babylon and further His redemptive plan for Israel. The fall of Babylon under Belshazzar (Daniel 5) and the immediate rise of Darius the Mede signifies the fulfillment of divine prophecy and sovereignty over human kingdoms.

Theological Implications

The emergence of the Medes alongside the Persians in Scripture reflects God’s sovereign control over history. The book of Daniel emphasizes that God raises up and brings down kings and empires to accomplish His will (Daniel 2:21). The Medes, though not Israelite, are instruments in God’s hand to transition power and prepare the way for future prophetic fulfillment—including the return of the Jews from exile under Persian rule (Ezra 1:1-4).

Daniel 11 continues this prophetic stream, detailing the conflicts between the Persian and Greek empires and laying groundwork for future messianic fulfillment. The Medo-Persian period is the hinge between Israel‘s exile and restoration, emphasizing that even pagan empires serve God’s purposes.

Literary and Symbolic Analysis

In the broader literary structure of Daniel, the Medes are represented in:

• Daniel 2 – As the silver part of the statue, symbolizing the second kingdom after Babylon.

• Daniel 7 – Likely the bear, raised on one side, representing the stronger Persian influence over the Medes.

• Daniel 8 – The ram with two horns, explicitly identified as Media and Persia.

• Daniel 11 – Though not named here, the chapter begins with Darius the Mede and transitions into Persian history.

Symbolically, the Medes, through their partnership with Persia, show the transitory nature of worldly empires and point to the ultimate, eternal kingdom that will not be destroyed (Daniel 2:44).

How the Medes Point to Jesus and the Gospel

While the Medes themselves are not messianic figures, their role in bringing down Babylon and paving the way for the restoration of Israel sets the stage for redemptive history. Cyrus the Great, the Persian ruler (allied with the Medes), issued the decree for the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (Isaiah 45:1–4; Ezra 1:1–4).

This return is a foreshadowing of the greater restoration brought by Jesus Christ, who frees His people not from physical exile, but from spiritual captivity to sin. Just as the Medes and Persians overthrew Babylon and allowed God’s people to go home, so Christ conquers spiritual Babylon (Revelation 18) and brings His people into the kingdom of God.

Broader Biblical Themes

• God’s Sovereignty Over Nations: The rise and fall of Media and Persia highlight God‘s control over human history (Daniel 4:17).

• Prophetic Fulfillment: The transition from Babylon to Medo-Persia was foretold and fulfilled exactly as prophesied (Daniel 2, 5, 8).

• Gentile Kings as God’s Servants: The Medes and Persians, especially Cyrus and Darius, are examples of non-Israelite rulers used for divine purposes.

• Foreshadowing of Redemption: The fall of Babylon and the restoration under Persian decree prefigure the gospel’s liberation and the return to God.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the rise of the Medes within Daniel’s prophecies encourage you to trust God in times of uncertainty?

2. What can we learn about God‘s power and purposes from the way He uses Gentile nations like Media and Persia?

3. In what ways does the Medo-Persian restoration of Israel point us to the greater restoration found in Christ?

4. How does Daniel‘s faithful witness in a foreign empire challenge you to live as a faithful believer in a secular world?

5. What does the story of the Medes teach us about the temporary nature of earthly kingdoms compared to the eternal kingdom of Christ?

The Mede, though only briefly mentioned in Daniel 11, represents a significant link in the chain of God’s providential history. Their presence reminds us that all history belongs to God, and even powerful empires must bow to His sovereign will—a truth that finds its ultimate expression in the eternal reign of Jesus Christ.