Book of Daniel

Daniel scroll

Papyrus 967

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Songe Nabuchodonosor statue

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William Blake - Nebuchadnezzar (Tate Britain)

Daniel's Answer to the King, by Briton Riviere, GMIII MCAG 1937 123-001

The Book of Daniel is a biblical text found in both the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. Traditionally ascribed to Daniel, a Jewish exile in Babylon, it is composed of tales and visions dating from the 2nd century BCE, making it one of the last books to be included in the Hebrew Bible. The book is divided into two parts: the first six chapters are stories about Daniel and his companions in Babylon, while chapters 7-12 contain visions of the future of the world and the Jewish people.

Composition and Structure

The Book of Daniel is written in a mixture of Hebrew and Aramaic, reflecting its composition over time and the linguistic context of its authors. The first part of the book (chapters 1-6) consists of narratives that focus on the faithfulness of Daniel and his friends in the face of challenges to their Jewish identity and beliefs. These stories include Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the story of the fiery furnace, and Daniel in the lions' den. The second part (chapters 7-12) contains apocalyptic visions that Daniel receives, which are symbolic and deal with the end times and the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Themes and Interpretation

The Book of Daniel deals with themes of loyalty, faith, and resistance to assimilation into foreign cultures. It also introduces the concept of apocalyptic literature, with its focus on cosmic conflict, divine intervention, and the establishment of an everlasting kingdom. The apocalyptic visions in Daniel have been influential in both Jewish and Christian eschatology.

Historical Context

The historical setting of the Book of Daniel is the 6th century BCE during the Babylonian captivity of the Jews. However, most scholars agree that its final form dates to the 2nd century BCE, reflecting concerns of the Jewish community under the Seleucid Empire, particularly under the persecution of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. This historical context is crucial for understanding the book's emphasis on the faithfulness to Jewish law and the hope for divine deliverance.

Influence

The Book of Daniel has had a significant impact on religious thought. Its apocalyptic visions have influenced Jewish and Christian interpretations of history and eschatology. The figure of Daniel as a wise and faithful servant of God has been inspirational to many believers. In Christian tradition, the book is often cited in discussions of prophecy and the end times.

Canonical Status

In the Hebrew Bible, the Book of Daniel is placed among the Writings, while in the Christian Old Testament, it is considered a prophetic book. This difference reflects varying views on the book's genre and function within the Jewish and Christian canons.

See Also

• Apocalyptic literature
• Babylonian captivity
• Hebrew Bible
• Christian Old Testament