(1) Book Information

1.1 Title and Definition
• Title: Daniel – named after the book’s central figure (Daniyyel in Hebrew), meaning “God is my judge”
• Definition: A prophetic and apocalyptic book blending historical narrative and visionary prophecy, presenting the faithfulness of God amidst exile, and revealing divine sovereignty over world empires and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom

1.2 Authorship and Context
• Author: Traditionally attributed to Daniel, a Jewish exile in Babylon who served in the courts of foreign kings; some scholars propose later editorial shaping during the Hellenistic period
• When: Historically placed in the 6th century BC (Babylonian exile), though some suggest a later date (2nd century BC) based on linguistic and historical considerations
• Audience: Jewish exiles and post-exilic communities seeking hope, identity, and encouragement under foreign domination
• Purpose: To demonstrate God’s faithfulness and sovereignty during exile, to call for steadfast faith in hostile cultures, and to unveil the divine plan for human history and the coming of God’s eternal kingdom

1.3 Literary and Thematic Features
• Literary and Rhetorical Features: Divided into narrative (ch. 1–6) and apocalyptic visions (ch. 7–12); includes court tales, symbolic dreams, divine interpretation, poetic hymns, and eschatological prophecy; written in both Hebrew and Aramaic
• Key Themes: Divine sovereignty, faithfulness in exile, the rise and fall of kingdoms, judgement, perseverance, and messianic hope
• Themes of Redemption and Christology
○ The “Son of Man” vision (Dan. 7:13–14) directly anticipates Christ’s messianic identity and heavenly authority (Matt. 26:64)
○ The stone that destroys the statue (Dan. 2:34–35) symbolises the unshakable kingdom of Christ
○ The seventy weeks prophecy (Dan. 9:24–27) has been interpreted as pointing to the timing of Christ’s redemptive work
• Symbolism and Imagery
○ Beasts represent world empires and corrupted powers
○ Statues, horns, fire, and angels convey divine judgement and cosmic warfare
○ The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man symbolise divine justice and messianic authority

1.4 Canonical and Interconnected Significance
• Structure: Twelve chapters – ch. 1–6 are historical narratives; ch. 7–12 are apocalyptic visions, with a shift from third-person to first-person narration
• Canonical Significance: Positioned among the Major Prophets in the Christian canon and among the Writings (Ketuvim) in the Hebrew Bible; foundational to apocalyptic literature and eschatological theology
• Interconnections
○ Related Books: Complements Ezekiel (exilic prophecy), Revelation (apocalyptic symbolism), and Isaiah (messianic prophecy)
○ Connections to the Old Testament: Reflects the fulfilment of Deuteronomic curses and covenantal warnings; builds on the exile narratives of Kings and Chronicles
○ Connections to the New Testament: Heavily referenced in the Gospels and Revelation; “Son of Man” title, resurrection (Dan. 12:2), and kingdom theology find fulfilment in Christ
○ Prophetic and Messianic References: The Messiah as the anointed ruler in Dan. 9; the everlasting dominion of the Son of Man; the resurrection of the righteous
○ Connections with Judaism: Treasured for its courage-in-exile message; used during Hanukkah celebrations and as a foundation for messianic expectation
○ Connections with Islam: Daniel is respected in Islamic tradition as a righteous man, though not a prophet; some Islamic texts affirm his visions and integrity
• Key Passages or Verses: Dan. 1:8 – “Daniel resolved not to defile himself”
Dan. 2:44 – “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed”
Dan. 3:17 – “Our God… is able to deliver us”
Dan. 7:13–14 – “One like a son of man… was given authority, glory and sovereign power”
Dan. 12:2 – “Multitudes… will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame”

(2) Characters

2.1 Main Figures and Their Roles
• Role of Authors: Daniel serves as a faithful exile, wise counsellor, and recipient of divine revelation; through his life and visions, he conveys theological insight and eschatological hope
• Who are the Main Characters: Daniel, Shadrach (Hananiah), Meshach (Mishael), Abednego (Azariah), Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, the angel Gabriel, the Son of Man, the Ancient of Days

2.2 Roles in Theological Framework
• The Role of God
○ The Father – Reveals mysteries, governs kings, protects the faithful, and establishes His everlasting dominion
○ The Son – Clearly prefigured in the Son of Man figure with divine authority and glory
○ The Holy Spirit – Implied in Daniel’s wisdom, interpretation, and prophetic insight
• The Role of Priests, Prophets, and Kings: Earthly kings are humbled before God; Daniel functions as a prophetic figure; true authority belongs to the divine King
• Role of the Church: Reflects the Church’s calling to be faithful witnesses in exile, awaiting God’s eternal kingdom amidst worldly empires
• Role of Men and Women: Primarily male figures are depicted, though the lessons of fidelity, courage, and worship apply universally across gender and generations

(3) Background

3.1 Geographical, Historical, and Cultural Context
• Geographical Context: Babylon (modern-day Iraq), with references to Persia and the broader Mesopotamian empire
• Historical Context: Set during the Babylonian exile (605–539 BC), with visions extending to later Persian and Hellenistic eras; addresses persecution and cultural assimilation
• Cultural Context: Exile forced Jews to live under foreign rule; Babylonian court culture, idolatry, and political intrigue form the backdrop for Daniel’s witness

3.2 Broader Context and Practices

1. Broader Context of the Ancient Near East: Babylonian and Persian empires exemplify imperial power; Daniel’s court role mirrors other ancient wise men but rooted in Yahwistic faith
2. Influence of Israel’s Neighbours: Critiques Babylonian idolatry and pride; affirms God’s supremacy over all foreign gods and rulers
3. Cultural and Ethical Influences: Confronts moral compromise, challenges pagan worldviews, and promotes ethical integrity through narrative and vision
4. Cultural Practices
   ○ Interpretation of dreams and signs,
   ○ Royal protocol and exile integration,
   ○ Public worship vs. state decrees

(4) Theological and Historical Significance

1. The Book as a Theological Bridge: Links historical narrative with apocalyptic prophecy; bridges the exile with eschatological hope and messianic expectation
2. Theological Significance: Declares God’s sovereignty, the certainty of divine judgement, the triumph of righteousness, and the enduring hope of resurrection
3. Spiritual Themes: Faithfulness in adversity, divine deliverance, heavenly authority, prophetic insight, the rise and fall of empires, and ultimate vindication
4. Key Lessons for Faith and Practice: Stay faithful in hostile environments. God rules over history. Earthly power is temporary. Courage and prayer sustain God’s people.
5. The Book in Christian Theology: Vital to apocalyptic theology, Christology, and resurrection doctrine; influences Christian understanding of history and eschatology
6. Historical Reception: Highly influential in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions; inspired resistance literature, mystical readings, and early Church eschatology

(5) Interfaith and Cultural Perspectives

1. Literary Unity with the Torah (or Canon): Extends covenant theology into the exile context; aligns with prophetic warnings and promises of restoration
2. The Book in Jewish Tradition: Treasured in the diaspora; models integrity under persecution; celebrated during Hanukkah for themes of divine deliverance
3. Connections with Islam: Daniel is respected in some Islamic narratives; shared themes of divine justice, humility before God, and visionary experience
4. Influence on Western Civilisation: Inspired artistic, literary, and musical works (e.g. the lion’s den, the fiery furnace); impacted political theology and resistance movements
5. Scientific Perspectives: Studied for historical chronology, linguistic features (Aramaic–Hebrew blend), and its impact on modern apocalyptic thought
6. Global Perspective: Universally applicable to contexts of persecution, exile, cultural pressure, and spiritual perseverance across nations and ages

(6) Ethical, Practical, and Philosophical Insights

1. Mystical and Esoteric Interpretations: Daniel’s visions have been interpreted as mystical insights into divine plans and heavenly realities
2. Comparative Mythology: Daniel presents apocalyptic visions similar in genre to other ancient texts but with distinct monotheistic theology and moral accountability
3. Ethical and Philosophical Reflections: Explores moral courage, divine justice, ethical resistance to tyranny, and the destiny of human history under divine rule
4. Ethical Teachings and Practical Applications
   ○ Uphold godly conviction amidst compromise,
   ○ Pray faithfully and consistently,
   ○ Honour God above political powers,
   ○ Live in hope of resurrection and divine vindication
5. Relevance to Contemporary Issues and Ongoing Relevance: Speaks to political oppression, religious freedom, ethical integrity in leadership, and hope in uncertain times

(7) Interpretative and Theological Challenges

1. Interpretative Challenges: Interpreting symbolic imagery, calculating prophetic timelines, understanding historical references, and balancing narrative with vision
2. Theological Debates: Debates over authorship and dating, interpretation of the seventy weeks, identity of the Son of Man, and the nature of apocalyptic literature
3. Key Questions Addressed: Who rules over history? How should believers live under ungodly regimes? What is the destiny of nations and the faithful? When and how will God’s kingdom be fully established?