Princes] RV 'satraps': so in Daniel 6:2-3; Daniel 6:4; Daniel 6:6; Daniel 6:7. The division of the Persian empire into 20 satrapies was actually made by Darius Hystaspes. Gobryas, however (see on 531), is said in the inscriptions to have appointed governors in Babylon, and this may have led to the confusion between him and Darius. Cp. the 127 provinces of Esther 1:1; Esther 8:9.
2. Was first] RV 'was one.' This was the arrangement contemplated by Belshazzar (Daniel 5:7; Daniel 5:16; Daniel 5:29).