Dan. 1-6: Stories of Daniel and friends in exile Dan. 7-12: Apocalyptic visions Book of Daniel

Dan. 1-6: Stories of Daniel and friendsin exile

Dan. 7-12: Apocalyptic visions

Book of Daniel

apokalypsis = “revealing” or “unveiling”

eschatology = what will happen at end oflife or world age

Types of apocalypse:

Otherworld journey

Historical apocalypse

Features of Apocalyptic Literature

1. Revelation: through vision or dream,otherworld journey or instruction fromdivine being

2. Symbolism: meaning concealed unlesssymbols are understood

Features of Apocalyptic Literature

3. Determinism: the course of the future isset

4. Expectation of imminent end: in historicalapocalypses. Flaw of apocalyptic writing

5. Pseudonymity: being written under a falsename. Daniel did not write this

Features of Apocalyptic Literature

6. Vaticinium ex eventu: “prophecy after thefact.” Common in historical apocalypses.Review of history up to author’s timefollowed by predictions. Helps in dating

7. Social Setting: appears among thosedissatisfied with current state of world.Source of dissatisfaction not alwaysapparent

Book of Daniel dates from c. 165 BC

333-332 BC Alexander the Great (r. 336-323)ousts Persians from Holy Land,promotes Hellenistic culture. Soon afterJews of Egypt produce Septuagint

323-198 BC Ptolemies rule Holy Land

198 BC Seleucids take control of Holy Land

175-63 BC Reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes

167 BC Antiochus plunders temple, commits“abomination of desolation”

166 BC Jewish revolt led by Mattathias, thenson Judas Maccabeus (“the Hammerer”)

164 BC Judas garrisons Jerusalem, re-dedicatestemple (origin of Hanukkah)

Stories reflecting real persecutions(e.g. Dan. 1: 8-10)

Meaning of real courage (Dan. 3: 16-18)

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Dan. 2) elaboratedon in Dan. 7 ff.

God’s chosen people: stone uncut by humanhands (Dan. 2: 45) or human being/“one like a son of man” (Dan. 7: 13-14)

Outline of Seleucid history and future events(Dan. 10-12)

Maccabean revolt? (Dan. 11: 34)

Deliverance: angel Michael as patron of Jews(Dan. 12: 1)

First clear expression of resurrection/afterlifebelief (Dan. 12: 2)