Apocalyptic Literature and the Book of Daniel

Apocalyptic Literature and the Book of Daniel

• Apocalyptic literature derives from the Greek word apokalypsis, meaning "revelation" or "disclosure".
• John Collins defines apocalypse as a genre of revelatory literature with a narrative framework, revealing a transcendent reality that is both temporal (eschatological salvation) and spatial (supernatural world).
• Apocalyptic eschatology provides the framework for interpreting apocalyptic writings. It holds that the current world's adverse conditions will end with judgment for the wicked and vindication for the righteous, leading to a new era of prosperity and peace.
• Apocalypticism is a movement that adopts the perspective of apocalyptic eschatology, used with caution in cases with sufficient evidence of a community shaped by this worldview.

Two Kinds of Apocalyptic Literature

• Historical: Revelations in symbolic visions, summarizing historical events culminating in a crisis. Daniel is an example.
• Mystical: Travel to otherworldly, mystical areas. Example: 1 Enoch 1-36.

Examples of Extra-Biblical Apocalyptic Texts

• Marduk prophecy
• Kummaya's dream vision
• Prophecy of Neferti
• Hesiod's Works and Days
• 1-2 Enoch
• Sibylline Oracles

Classical Prophecy in the Bible

• Hebrew prophets were messengers of Yahweh, addressing contemporary issues like idolatry, injustice, practices, oppression, and spiritual apathy.
• Their prophecies often involved rebuking sins and calling people to repentance.
• Classical prophecy often focused on the present, with some predictive elements regarding future events. However, not all predictions were about doom; some offered hope and consolation.

Apocalyptic and Non-Apocalyptic Predictions

• Not all Old Testament prophecies are apocalyptic.
• Predictive prophecies in the Bible fall into at least four groups: covenant-related predictions, short-term predictions, long-term predictions, and predictions concerning the first advent of Christ.

The Biblical Apocalyptic

• Biblical apocalyptic literature includes books like Daniel, Revelation and sections from other biblical books like Isaiah 24-27, Ezekiel 38, 39, Joel 2:18-3:16, and Zechariah 9-14.
• These texts share common features, differentiating them from other biblical literature.

Characteristics of Apocalyptic Literature

• Revelatory Literature: Reveals the future (unknown to humans).
• Unique Circumstances and Manner of Revelation: Prophecies are received uniquely.
• Heavenly Beings: Often involve angelic or divine intervention.
• Crisis or National Tragedy: Set against times of crisis or significant events.
• Sharp Contrasts: Employs sharp contrasts in descriptions.
• Vivid Imagery: Rich in symbolism and imagery.
• End of History: Focus on the end times and the conclusion of history.
• Universal Application: Applications often extend beyond local contexts.
• Resurrection and Judgment: Prophecies often depict resurrection and judgment for righteous and wicked.
• Appearance of a Messiah: Often includes the appearance of a significant figure (e.g., the Son of Man).
• Pseudonymity: Apocalyptic writers sometimes use the name of a well-known figure to give credibility to their writing.

The Origin of Apocalyptic Literature

• Early scholars suggested that apocalyptic literature stemmed from Persian dualism (a two-sided belief system).
• More modern scholarship now points towards Mesopotamian influences, especially mantic wisdom.
• However, strong arguments exist for a Jewish origin of apocalyptic writings, given their relationship to Jewish culture and history, and the lack of similar traditions in earlier Mesopotamian cultures.

The Book of Daniel as a Model

• Daniel is considered the primary example of apocalyptic literature in the Hebrew Bible.
• Scholars frequently cite its features as a model for later apocalyptic writings, including the style, language, and specific themes.

Date and Authorship of the Book of Daniel

• There isn't universal agreement on the date or authorship of the book of Daniel.
• Various hypotheses exist (e.g., Maccabean, Exilic). These differ in their proposed historical context and purpose for the book.
• Critical scholars highlight issues with dating the book to the time of Daniel, such as linguistic and historical inaccuracies.
• However, believers in Daniel's authorship point to strong historical and internal evidence supporting a 6th-century BCE date, especially relating to the Babylonian and Persian periods.

The Maccabean Hypothesis

• This hypothesis posits that the book of Daniel was written in the 2nd century BCE as a reaction to the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, highlighting discrepancies between the historical context of Daniel and the Maccabean period.
• Focuses on whether the prophecies of Daniel accurately reflect the historical events of that era.

The Exilic Hypothesis

• This theory argues for the literary integrity of Daniel as written in the 6th century BCE during the Babylonian Exile, directly referencing specific historical events and details of that period.

Literary Features of the Book of Daniel

• Composed in two languages (Hebrew and Aramaic).
• Blends historical narratives with prophecies, often visions or dreams.
• Frequently uses vivid imagery, symbolism and themes of a cosmic dualism, focussing on a universal sweep of history relating to God's people, from the time of the prophet (Daniel) to the end times.

The Interpretation of the Book of Daniel

• Various schools of interpretation exist, with contrasting beliefs on the book's purpose and the time period to which its prophecies apply.
  • Historical: Seeks to place Daniel's vision in a single era.
  • Futurist-Dispensational: Focuses on future events and the role of the Antichrist.
  • Historical Preterist: Looks at fulfilments from Daniel's time to the coming of Christ, or the end of the Roman Empire.
  • Modern Preterist: Views prophecies as specific to the time of Antiochus IV Epiphanes.

The Theology of the Book

• Daniel emphasizes God's sovereignty over history, the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
• Highlights themes like the Messiah, the hope of humanity, and God's role as the ultimate judge, who will vindicate his people in the end times.

Historical Background: Assyria & Babylonia

• The Assyrian and Babylonian empires played a substantial role in the historical context of the Book of Daniel.
• Dynasties, kings (e.g. Ashurbanipal, Nabopolassar, Nebuchadnezzar).
• Military campaigns and deportations are significant details in the background of the Book.

Historical Background: Media and Persia

• The Medes and Persians rose to prominence during the same era.
• Details about Cyrus the Great and the rise of the Persian Empire as a dominant force.

Explore the fascinating genre of apocalyptic literature, particularly focusing on the Book of Daniel. Understand the concepts of apocalyptic eschatology and the differences between historical and mystical apocalyptic writings. This quiz will deepen your knowledge of the themes and interpretations within this unique literary genre.