DANIEL IN THE BIBLE STUDY BOOK SERIES

The arrival of the kingdom is a central theme of the gospels, where Jesus is identified as the human figure (or “Son of Man”) who appears in Daniel’s vision in chap. Under this apocalyptic imagery some of the best elements of prophetic and sapiential teaching are synthesized: the insistence on right conduct, the divine control over events, the certainty that the kingdom of God will ultimately triumph and humanity attain the goal intended for it at the beginning of creation. The great nations of the ancient world have risen in vain against the Lord his kingdom shall overthrow existing powers and last forever in the end the dead will be raised for reward or punishment.

DANIEL IN THE BIBLE STUDY BOOK SERIES

7– 12 a series of visions promising deliverance and glory to the Jews in the days to come. would quickly see the application of these stories to their own plight. What is more important than the question of historicity, and closer to the intention of the author, is the fact that persecuted Jews of the second century B.C. The stories bristle with historical problems and have the character of historical novels rather than factual records. The moral is that people of faith can resist temptation and conquer adversity. 1– 6), which tell of the trials and triumphs of the wise Daniel and his three companions.

The book contains traditional stories (chaps. Severe penalties, including death, were exacted against those who refused (cf., e.g., 1 Mc 1:41– 63). The persecution was occasioned by Antiochus’s efforts to unify his kingdom, in face of the rising power of Rome, by continuing the hellenization begun by Alexander the Great Antiochus tried to force Jews to adopt Greek ways, including religious practices. This work was composed during the bitter persecution carried on by Antiochus IV Epiphanes (167–164 B.C.) and was written to strengthen and comfort the Jewish people in their ordeal. 2 and 5), whereas God reveals hidden things to faithful servants. Greek wisdom (represented by the Babylonian “magicians and enchanters”) is ridiculed (see especially chaps. Daniel has the gift of discernment from God. Apocalyptic also has roots in the wisdom tradition. For both prophet and apocalyptist there was one Lord of history, who would ultimately vindicate the chosen people. Apocalyptic literature has its roots in the older teaching of the prophets, who often pointed ahead to the day of the Lord, the consummation of history. and flourished among Jews and Christians down to the Middle Ages, especially in times of persecution. Apocalyptic writing first appears about 200 B.C.

Strictly speaking, the book does not belong to the prophetic writings but rather to a distinctive type of literature known as “apocalyptic,” of which it is an early specimen. This book takes its name not from the author, who is actually unknown, but from its hero, who was allegedly among the first Jews deported to Babylon, where he lived at least until 538 B.C.

Daniel in the bible study book