Audio and Multimedia
Subtopics
Daniel
Raymond B. Dillard and Tremper Longman III
AN INTRODUCTION to the OLD TESTAMENT
Daniel is a book of polarities. It may be described, for instance, as one of the simplest or as one of the most complex books of the Bible. The stories of the first six chapters are the staple of Sunday school classes and vacation Bible schools. On the other hand, scholars endlessly debate the complex visions that make up the second half of the book. Other contrasts include the use of two languages, Aramaic and Hebrew, in the book; the predominant use of two genres, story and apocalyptic; and contrasting attitudes toward such things as gentile rulers.
Daniel is a fascinating and a difficult book. It is the source of numerous debates, particularly over historicity and the interpretation of prophecy. As we will see, while the book is a powerful witness to God’s power over evil, aspects of the book remain a mystery to us.
By Scripture
Old Testament