Daniel

Aspects of Liminality in the Book of Daniel

“…Although he recognises that this notion about a resurrection links to earlier hints in this regard in the HB, he emphasises the radical newness of this idea as follows: 47 No biblical text before Daniel had spoken, even metaphorically, of a double resurrection of the righteous and the wicked and a judgment of the dead. This development of an idea that Collins refers to as a "minority view," found fertile ground in the context of liminality created by content of the book of Daniel as described above.…”

“…This development of an idea that Collins refers to as a "minority view," found fertile ground in the context of liminality created by content of the book of Daniel as described above. These liminal aspects in the book of Daniel, to my mind, played a major part in inspiring the "considerable innovation" involved 48 in creating these new ideas about resurrection. Finally, a few remarks will be made on how the structure of this book, linked to the historical problems noted above, may be reinterpreted in light of these liminal aspects.…”

“…Collins clarifies the importance of these words when he notes: "Daniel 12:2-3 is the only clear attestation of belief in resurrection in the Hebrew Bible." 45 These verses represent not only a leap in theological development in the OT, but also underscore the potency of liminal places for the development of new (religious) ideas. In this context, it is important to note the following observation by Krouwer: 46 Death can be understood as the final liminal experience of life.…”

Moses in the Book of Daniel

“…The Jeremiah source is indicated as part of 'the books' (hasefarim -Dan. 9:2), which, with reference to the prologue to Ben Sira, Collins 7 presumes to be the books of the prophets.  It is in this Chapter 9 that the name of Moses appears.…”

“…It is almost universally accepted among scholars that the book of Daniel, in its present form, was composed during the 2nd Century BCE during the time of religious persecution under the Seleucid reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. 24 His career began in a very modest mode as a political hostage of the Roman Republic 25 that held him in custody in order to keep the reigning Greek family in Palestine in check. After his father, Antiochus III, died, he was succeeded by another son and older brother of Antiochus IV, namely Seleucus IV.…”