What’s Going on in the Book of Daniel?
In this week’s daily Mass readings, we hear from the book of the prophet Daniel. If you read Daniel and ask yourself “what in the world is going on” you are not alone. There is a lot to be said of this 14-chapter book, so I am just focusing here on a broad overview.
Although Daniel is considered a major prophet, the book that bears his name is classified as apocalyptic literature, which is often highly symbolic (which is apparent in Daniel). As you might guess, apocalyptic literature includes events, communicated by God to man through visions, to come at the end of the world (the Book of Revelation is apocalyptic, too).
Who was Daniel? He was among the Jews who were exiled under the rule of the pagan Babylonians in 605 B.C. He was selected amongst the strongest, most competent Jewish men to train to serve in the king’s palace (Nebuchadnezzar). In chapter 1 we learn of Daniel’s virtue; he refuses the wine and meat offered to him by the pagans to avoid defiling himself. His wisdom and gift of interpreting dreams caught the king’s attention, bringing him honor. Yet, Daniel remained virtuous after being promoted in the pagan royal court.
A major theme in Daniel is about God’s power over all nations. There are many world powers, who believe in the strength of their gods, yet not one of them will remain standing in the end. God is all-powerful and governor of human history; he will overthrow the pagan kingdoms. Much of the symbolism in Daniel represents this fact.
Moreover, the Book of Daniel contains visions promising liberation for the Jews. You may have heard what is likely the most well-known verse in Daniel (7:13; about the Son of Man coming in the clouds), which Jesus echoes during his trial: “But I tell you: from now on you will see ‘the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power’ and ‘coming on the clouds of heaven’” (Matthew 26:64). This claim of being the Son of God is ultimately what led to Jesus’s crucifixion, which turned out to be the deliverance the Jews were waiting for.
Therefore Judah, and all nations, must put their faith and trust in God. And that is exactly what Daniel and other deported Jews did. They remained faithful to God (that God himself is their King and Deliverer is finally taking root in the heart of a remnant of God’s people (Walking with God, 208). And God was faithful to them, providing the grace to persevere through the exile: “Daniel’s story exemplifies God’s faithfulness to Judah during their time of trial” (Walking with God, 206). For example, Daniel was brought to safety in the lions’ den as were his 3 companions (Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael) from the fiery furnace.
It is good to read Daniel, in this week before Advent, considering what Christmas is: the coming of Christ. It helps us to reflect on end times and of his coming while waiting with expectant joy.
“For he is the living God, enduring forever, whose kingdom shall not be destroyed, whose dominion shall be without end, A savior and deliverer, working signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who saved Daniel from the lions’ power” (Daniel 6:27-28).