The Historical Context and Literary Analysis of the Book of Daniel in the Bible
Understanding the acceptance and composition of the Book of Daniel in the Bible requires an exploration of its historical context and literary characteristics. This book, much like the Book of Job, is often seen as a blend of historical narrative and apocalyptic prophecy, reflecting its unique place within the Bible.
Origins and Composition
The Book of Daniel, much like the Book of Job, was originally written as a novel containing elements of a 2nd-century BCE biblical apocalypse with a 6th-century BCE setting. The book's linguistic and thematic complexities suggest a complex authorial process.
According to historical reconstruction, the Book of Daniel was ostensibly a collection of Aramaic court tales expanded by Hebrew revelations. These tales likely circulated independently before an editor or author compiled them around the third or early second century BCE, resulting in a rich text filled with symbolic references and visions.
Literary and Religious Significance
The author of Daniel, who was likely a Hebrew-Jewish scholar and editor with a high standing in his community, chose the name Daniel for the hero of the book because of his reputation as a wise seer in Hebrew tradition. This name is referenced in the Book of Ezekiel, where three verses—Ezekiel 14:14, 14:20, and 28:3—refer to Daniel.
The language of the book, which includes parts written in Aramaic (2:4–7:28), suggests a composition date later than the Babylonian Exile (6th century BCE). This is evidenced by numerous inaccuracies connected with the exilic period and the religious ideas that are not native to the 6th century BCE. Scholars thus date the book to the first half of the 2nd century BCE, with its prophecies and apocalyptic visions reflecting the persecution of Jews under Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175–164/163 BCE).
The Stories and Visions
The stories and visions in the Book of Daniel are broadly accepted as being composed by different authors and edited during distinct periods. Chapters 1–6 are considered folktales that play out as legends, while chapters 7–12 are associated with visions given during the persecution of the Jews by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Daniel himself serves as the central figure in the persecution narrative, though the historical accuracy of these events is widely disputed.
A critical examination of the language and content of Daniel 5, especially in the context of Daniel pondering Jeremiah's prophecy, highlights the importance of symbolic language in interpreting the text. Daniel 9
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Book of Daniel is a multifaceted text with deep historical and literary significance. Its complex composition, use of apocalyptic language, and reference to persecution under Antiochus IV Epiphanes make it a crucial text for understanding both the religious and historical context of the Jewish people in the 2nd century BCE. The book's acceptance into the Bible reflects a blend of editorial process and theological message shaped by the needs and experiences of its original audience.
Keywords: Book of Daniel, Biblical Apocalypse, Persecution of Jews, Greek Seleucid Empire, Antiochus IV Epiphanes