|
[Introduction to Daniel] III.
Features of Daniel's Prophecy
A.
Its Language
Daniel was written in
two languages: Hebrew and Aramaic. The Aramaic language is in 2:4-7:28,
covering the central portion of the book. This was the lingua franca of
the period, and it was fitting that Aramaic was used, as its content
directly relates to Gentiles rather than to Jews. B.
Its Place in the Canon
Officially, Daniel was
a statesman and administrator, with special prophetic gift. Thus, his book
was placed in the "Writings" part of the Hebrew Bible. The
Hebrew canon was divided into: Law, Prophets, and Writings C.
Its Apocryphal Additions Because of its popularity, this books has an inordinate number of apocryphal additions, such as
D. Its Number of Critics
Its
first critic was Porphry, a 3rd century A.D. pagan writer who thought that
Daniel was a 2nd century B.C. forgery.
Then
came the higher critics in the 17th century who tried to topple the
historicity of this book. They said that it was written during the 1st or
2nd century under the fictitious name "Daniel."
The critics complained about the great number of supernatural
events in the book, the "Greek" words it used, supposed
contradictions with historical findings, and the too-detailed prophecy of
Daniel 11. In answer, we affirm that miracles are acceptable, Greek culture did permeate the Near East, history and archaelogy are coming out with new discoveries (often agreeing with Daniel), and that God knows the future since He planned it.
|
|
Return to Tan's DANIEL:Verse by Verse Main Menu