Summer Reading: Daniel, second half
In chapters 7-12 of Daniel there's a shift, chronologically, narratively, and theologically.
The timing of the story continues to move, referenced (sometimes inaccurately) by the reign of certain kings. In the second half, events described refer to things that happened as much as 500 years later than the kings who reigned in the first half. Daniel didn't live that long, but the story, which was composed late (probably the latest or "youngest" of the Hebrew Bible) spans several centuries.
The style of writing changes, too, from narration of events in Daniel's life (and his friends) to visions which Daniel himself dreams or sees. The second half, then, is apocalyptic literature, similar to parts of Ezekiel, Isaiah, Mark, and the whole of Revelation. The word "apocalypse" means revealing or uncovering, not "violent wars orchestrated by God to vanquish sinners" or "sudden rapture/taking up to heaven of the faithful", which connotations have come to be popular, unfortunately.
So, in this part of the book, Daniel himself has visions, which are interpreted to him by the angel Gabriel (same who announces to Mary her pregnancy in Luke 1). He is told they are specifically about the end of days, and that after the reign of four great powers (inferred to be Babylonia, Media, Persia, and Greece) the Ancient of Days will come to earth and establish a holy kingdom here. There are many sets of 4 things (beasts, horns, words) used to symbolize these 4 empires.
Apocalyptic literature arose during Exile--when God's people were separated from their center, Jerusalem/temple, and weren't sure if God remembered them or what happened to God when the temple (God's "home") was destroyed. Longing for a better life, when things will be good again and prosperous, when they feel safe and that they belong, when God is central and sure--this longing fills the imagination and takes shape in apocalyptic writings. When people are oppressed and death is all around, they long for freedom and life, and put their hope in God to rescue them. (Hm...interesting that we don't have any apocalyptic literature from the time before the Exodus!)
So, when you're reading this and wondering what in the world is going on, remember this a very specific genre, filled with "secret codes" and symbolism, borne of pain and suffering and a trust and hope that things can be better and God is the one who will make it better.
Some questions:
What's the difference between a daydream and a vision for a better future?
I have a friend who was a karate instructor, and a teaching mantra for her was "What you see is what you get", meaning that if you can't envision it you'll never attain it. How might that apply to hope and faithfulness? Can we imagine (create an image) of God's presence making our world a better place here and now?
The timing of the story continues to move, referenced (sometimes inaccurately) by the reign of certain kings. In the second half, events described refer to things that happened as much as 500 years later than the kings who reigned in the first half. Daniel didn't live that long, but the story, which was composed late (probably the latest or "youngest" of the Hebrew Bible) spans several centuries.
The style of writing changes, too, from narration of events in Daniel's life (and his friends) to visions which Daniel himself dreams or sees. The second half, then, is apocalyptic literature, similar to parts of Ezekiel, Isaiah, Mark, and the whole of Revelation. The word "apocalypse" means revealing or uncovering, not "violent wars orchestrated by God to vanquish sinners" or "sudden rapture/taking up to heaven of the faithful", which connotations have come to be popular, unfortunately.
So, in this part of the book, Daniel himself has visions, which are interpreted to him by the angel Gabriel (same who announces to Mary her pregnancy in Luke 1). He is told they are specifically about the end of days, and that after the reign of four great powers (inferred to be Babylonia, Media, Persia, and Greece) the Ancient of Days will come to earth and establish a holy kingdom here. There are many sets of 4 things (beasts, horns, words) used to symbolize these 4 empires.
Apocalyptic literature arose during Exile--when God's people were separated from their center, Jerusalem/temple, and weren't sure if God remembered them or what happened to God when the temple (God's "home") was destroyed. Longing for a better life, when things will be good again and prosperous, when they feel safe and that they belong, when God is central and sure--this longing fills the imagination and takes shape in apocalyptic writings. When people are oppressed and death is all around, they long for freedom and life, and put their hope in God to rescue them. (Hm...interesting that we don't have any apocalyptic literature from the time before the Exodus!)
So, when you're reading this and wondering what in the world is going on, remember this a very specific genre, filled with "secret codes" and symbolism, borne of pain and suffering and a trust and hope that things can be better and God is the one who will make it better.
Some questions:
What's the difference between a daydream and a vision for a better future?
I have a friend who was a karate instructor, and a teaching mantra for her was "What you see is what you get", meaning that if you can't envision it you'll never attain it. How might that apply to hope and faithfulness? Can we imagine (create an image) of God's presence making our world a better place here and now?
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