A Biblical Theology on Daniel 7 (original) (raw)
The Book of Daniel, An Analysis
The Book of Daniel, An Analysis, 2013
The Book of Daniel is a companion to the Book of Revelation. The following is an overview of the book. Daniel, the author, like Ezekiel, was a captive in Babylon. He was brought before King Nebuchadnezzar while young, and trained in the Chaldean language and sciences. His career resembled that of Joseph. He was promoted to the highest office in the realm. He maintained his spiritual life in the midst of a heathen court. The main theme of the Book is the Sovereignty of God over the affairs of men in all ages. The pagan king’s confessions of this fact constitute the Key Verses of this book. Section I is largely a narrative of personal biography and local history. It contains an account of thrilling events and divine interpositions unsurpassed in the Old Testament. It refers to six moral conflicts in which Daniel and his companions participated. The first conflict is between pagan self-indulgence and conscientious abstinence, in promoting health. We find in chapter one that abstinence wins. The second conflict is between pagan magic and heavenly wisdom in the interpretation of dreams. We find in chapter two that divine wisdoms wins. The third conflict is heathen idolatry arrayed against loyalty to God. In chapter three we find that loyalty to God wins. The fourth conflict is a pagan king’s pride arrayed against Divine Sovereignty. We find in chapter four that God wins and the king is turned out to eat grass. The fifth conflict is impious sacrilege arrayed against reverence for sacred objects. In chapter five we find that reverence wins. We also find the handwriting on the wall and Belshazzar being dethroned. The sixth conflict is between malicious plotting and the providence of God over His saints. In chapter six we find that providence wins with the lions’ mouths being stopped. Section II gives us the visions and prophecies relating to the controlling hand of God moving the scenes in the Panorama of History, chapters 7-12. The Book of Daniel is a companion to the Book of Revelation. Both of these books contain much imagery which appears mysterious. The attempt to fit the the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation into the facts and events of human history has usually produced an endless conflict of opinions. The reason for this is that the true interpretation of the details of the visions is not always clear. There are two facts that are generally acknowledged by most scholars: (1) That the prophecies represent a partly veiled Revelation of Future Events in secular and sacred history. (2) That the visions point to the ultimate triumph of God’s Kingdom over all Satanic and World Powers. In chapter seven, many commentators see the Four Beasts as representing the Four great Empires, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome, followed by a vision of the coming Messiah. In chapter eight, another period of Medo-Persian and Grecian history appears under the figure of a beast. In chapter nine we find Daniel’s prayer and a veiled prophecy of the time of the coming of the Messiah. Chapters ten to twelve contain additional far-reaching predictions and revelations of future events. These three chapters have been the battleground of theological controversy with many varied interpretations. (Adapted from Thompson’s Chain Reference).
A New Perspective on Daniel Chapter 7
Commentators frequently lean on literal and historical interpretation of Daniel's visions. However, this approach falls short of revealing the divine mind expressed in the forms of symbols and figurative language. This article focuses on Daniel Chapter 7 and uses an interpretive method that prioritizes the symbolic and figurative. Furthermore, to show the dream's end-time significance, the analysis draws parallels between the dream and modern-day political realities.
The Seventh Vision of Daniel A new translation and introduction
Old Testament Pseudepigrapha: More Noncanonical Scriptures, volume I, ed. R. Bauckham, J. Davila, and A. Panayotov (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2013), 410-34., 2013
The Seventh Vision of Daniel (henceforth, 7Dan) is a lengthy vision composed in the late fifth century which predicts the destruction of the Roman Empire, the coming of the An-tichrist, and the end of the world. The work is preserved only in Armenian and is known from five manuscripts. Although the work was originally written in Greek, the title was attached to the text in its Armenian version. As the biblical book of Daniel frequently appears divided into six visions in Armenian Bibles, this extra-biblical vision was considered the seventh.1 The early date of the original composition of this text renders it important for our understanding of the development of the Daniel apocalyptica.2
This article builds upon the foundational insights of the earlier work, "Daniel Chapter Seven: A New Perspective," by extending it in two directions. The first section offers an integrated analysis of the visions presented in multiple chapters of the Book of Daniel, weaving them into a cohesive framework. The second section seeks to establish a correspondence between historical events and the prophetic imagery of Daniel Chapter Seven. The second section highlights the vision's relevance to the political dynamics of the last days.
2016
The volume contains seven original studies, each of which focuses on a different chapter or central passage in Daniel and offers a new interpretation or reading of the passage in question. The studies span the Danielic tales and apocalypses, offering innovative analyses that often challenge the scholarly consensus regarding the exegesis of this book. The eight chapters relate to Daniel 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, Susanna, and the conception of angelology in Daniel. The studies are all based on careful textual analysis, including comparison between the Hebrew/Aramaic and Greek versions (especially regarding Daniel 4–6), and, in each case, the larger arguments are built upon solid philological foundations. Many of the insights proposed in this volume are based upon the realization that the authors of Daniel were frequently interpreters of earlier biblical books, and that the identification of these intertextual clues can be the key to unlocking the meaning of these texts. In this sense, Daniel is similar to other contemporaneous works, such as Jubilees and Qumran literature, but the extent of this phenomenon has not been fully appreciated by scholars of the book. This volume therefore contributes to the appreciation of Daniel as both the latest book in the Hebrew Bible, and a significant work in the landscape of Second Temple Judaism.
Seeley, Service British publishing company , 1846
After the fall of Babylon, the overthrow of Persia, and the division and decay of the Macedonian empire, Rome, the last of these great kingdoms, obtained the supreme power, and held it in unbrokenstrength for nearly five hundred years. Then, as the visions had foreshewn, it was broken, and ten smaller kingdoms arose in its peculiar territory, the western countries of Europe. It was further announced that a power would arise among these divided kingdoms, small in size, but vast in its claims, assume the prophetic character, usurp authority over the whole dempire, and persecute the servants of God. The Roman Papacy has fulfilled all these features of the prediction, and has thus lent us a fresh proof of the Divine fore- knowledge. But now, for three hundred years, this power, once irresistible, has begun to decay. It may still revive for a moment, and struggle for the victory ; but the judgment is set, and has begun to take away its dominion, to consume and destroy it unto the end. We are now living in the pause before this last conflict, which the kingdoms of the West will shortly undergo, and which, amidst tumult, strife and suffering, will bring on the dawn of the millennial glory. The Son of Man, as here announced, will then appear in the clouds of heaven. His universal empire will be established, and the saints of the Most High will take the kingdom, and possess it for ever and ever. We are now drawing near to this eventful crisis, which will end the Fourth Empire, and usher in the kingdom of the Messiah in its manifested power and triumph. With such a prospect before us, it is our duty to gain all the light which the word of God supplies, that we may understand the present duty, and the future hopes, of the Church of Christ. The other prophecies are all given for this end. But especially the two later visions, in the eighth and eleventh of Daniel, fill up more completely the outline which was revealed in his earlier prophecies. The first vision, that of the Great Image, had been given to Nebuchadnezzar himself, in the beginning of his reign ; and it was expounded by Daniel when he was only a youth, in his exile at the court of Babylon. Fifty years almost had passed before any further reve- lation was given to the holy prophet. But when the monarchy of Babylon had begun to decay, and Daniel himself had experienced the fickleness of royal favour, the vision of the Four Beasts, in the first year of Belshazzar, enlarged and confirmed the previous message. Two j'-ears later a further vision was added, to unfold more fully the course of the second and third empire and the events of Eastern history, in connexion with the temple and the people of Israel. The prophecy of the Seventy Weelj s, fifteen years afterward, revealed the times of Messiah's first Advent, and his rejection by his own people. Last of all, after four years, a fuller ac- count was given of the trials and conflicts through which the Jews would pass, under the Syrian and Egyptian kings ; with a brief history of later events, that would be fulfilled in the time of the end, and issue in the gathering of Israel, and the resurrection of those who are sleeping in the dust. The two visions which occupy the eighth and ele- venth chapters, like the visions of the Great Image, and of the Four Beasts, have a close and evident connexion with each other. On this account it seems better to combine them in the historical exposition. There are many interesting truths, which are suggested by each of them, rich with instruction to the Church of God. But since, from the extent and fulness of the last vision, the history alone will require considerable space, it seems better to refrain at present from a wider range of discussion. My object, then, will be to unfold the ac- tual fulfilment of these two prophecies, chiefly from the original authorities, and to intermix no collateral topics, but those which seem essential to the main object of the work. These will be introduced amidst the histori- cal chapters, where they seem required by the course of the exposition. A Special message from the Author of this great deep Biblical book of old - May it please Him, who is the Fountain of-all wisdom, and who has given the word of prophecy to be a light to our steps amidst the darkness of the world, to bless this effort to unfold one part of His holy oracles, and to make it effectual, in its own measure, for the instruction and comfort of His people^ and their preparation for His blessed and eternal kingdom ! Eschatology: The later chapters of Daniel, particularly chapters 8-12, contain significant eschatological themes. Eschatology deals with the study of the "end times" or the final events in human history according to divine revelation. Daniel's visions and prophecies include references to the rise and fall of kingdoms, the persecution of God's people, the coming of the Messiah, the resurrection of the dead, and the final judgment. These eschatological themes have had a profound impact on Jewish and Christian beliefs about the future, shaping theological understandings of salvation, redemption, and the ultimate destiny of humanity. Below are some notes I added for better insight and understanding for this great Book of Daniel of old ! Historical Context: Scholars interpret the historical context of Daniel's prophecies in various ways. Some see them as referring primarily to events contemporary to Daniel's time, such as the rise and fall of empires like Babylon, Media, Persia, Greece, and Rome. Others view certain prophecies as having a dual fulfillment, with historical events serving as foreshadows of future events, including those related to the coming of Jesus Christ and the end times. For example, the prophecies in Daniel 7-12 may have initial fulfillments in the struggles between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires and the persecution of the Jewish people under Antiochus IV Epiphanes during the Maccabean period. However, they may also point to broader eschatological realities yet to be fulfilled. Divine Plan for Humanity: The Book of Daniel reveals God's sovereignty over human history and His overarching plan for humanity's redemption and restoration. Despite the rise and fall of empires and the persecution faced by God's people, Daniel's visions affirm that God remains in control of world events and will ultimately bring about justice and deliverance for His people. The visions of Daniel also emphasize the importance of faithfulness and trust in God, even in the midst of adversity and uncertainty. The example of Daniel and his companions serves as a model of unwavering faith and obedience in the face of opposition. In summary, the later chapters of Daniel offer profound insights into eschatology, Israelite history, and the divine plan for humanity. Through visions, prophecies, and historical narratives, the book conveys themes of God's sovereignty, redemption, and the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes in the world. These insights have had a lasting impact on Jewish and Christian theology, shaping beliefs about the future and the role of God in human affairs. Other helpful notes for your viewing pleasure I also added below - Chapter 8: The Vision of the Ram and the Goat • In chapter 8, Daniel sees a vision of a ram and a goat. The ram has two horns, representing the Medo-Persian Empire, while the goat with a single prominent horn represents Greece under Alexander the Great. • The goat defeats the ram, symbolizing the conquest of the Persian Empire by Alexander. • The large horn of the goat is broken, and four smaller horns emerge, representing the division of Alexander's empire among his generals after his death. Chapter 9: Daniel's Prayer and the Seventy Weeks • Chapter 9 begins with Daniel's prayer of confession and intercession on behalf of his people, acknowledging their sins and pleading for God's mercy and restoration of Jerusalem. • The angel Gabriel appears to Daniel and provides him with a prophecy known as the "seventy weeks." This prophecy outlines a period of seventy weeks (interpreted by many as seventy weeks of years) that will culminate in the coming of the Messiah. • The seventy weeks are divided into three segments: seven weeks, sixty-two weeks, and one week. The final week is often interpreted as a reference to the ministry of Jesus Christ. Chapter 10-12: Daniel's Final Visions • Chapters 10-12 contain a series of visions and revelations given to Daniel concerning the future of Israel and the world. • In chapter 10, Daniel receives a vision of a heavenly being who strengthens and encourages him. The angelic being provides insights into future events, including the rise of Persia, Greece, and conflicts in the region. • Chapter 11 provides a detailed prophecy of conflicts between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires, with a focus on the persecution of the Jewish people by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. • Chapter 12 concludes the book with further prophecies about the end times, including the resurrection of the dead and the final judgment. Scholarly Perspectives: • Scholars approach the Book of Daniel with various interpretive methods, including historical-critical analysis, literary criticism, and theological exegesis. • Many scholars view the visions in Daniel as reflecting historical events leading up to the time of the Maccabean Revolt in the second century BCE, as well as apocalyptic themes related to the end times. • The book's blend of historical narrative, prophecy, and symbolism makes it a complex and challenging text to interpret, leading to a wide range of scholarly perspectives and debates.