And so the world ends.... Week 4

This week we have been discussing the book of Daniel.  One thing became clear as I started going through our weekly materials... I did not have a proper understanding of what exactly "apocalyptic" literature entailed. In one of our readings this week, Bandstra does a great job of explaining this misunderstanding. Bandstra explains that "apocalyptic is a modern label for end-time-oriented literature. [...] it derives from the Greek verb apokaluptein, which means 'to reveal, disclose, uncover.' From this word, we get the word apocalypse." While Apocalyptic literature is often most closely associated with "end of times" it really is more about a revelation from God about God's future intervention. As with all historical literature, we have to look at why the text was originally written. Bandstra tells us that most often "apocalypses were written during times of political persecution. They were intended to encourage perseverance by revealing the destruction fo the wicked and the glorious future that awaited the faithful".

So what are the defining characteristics of apacolyptic literature? It might include some of the following:

• Experiences- where God reveals future plans for humanity, sometimes eschatological. But always in reference to when God intervenes and evil is conquered with a new heaven and a new earth.
• Interpretation- for these experiences, however sometimes they are left unexplained
• Symbolism- an element of the interpretation. These are messages communicated through imagery, numerology and fantasy.
• Pseudepigrapha- writings ascribed to various biblical patriarchs and prophets.
• Dualism- a comparison that allows no ambiguity. Ex. There is heaven OR earth, good OR evil... no grey area.
• Moral encouragement- implies that those who are faithful will be rewarded when God's intervention finally comes.

Keeping that in mind, for this weeks blog post I am going to analyze some passages from Daniel and identity the element of apocalyptic literature that are present.

Daniel 7:1-28

In this passage we start right out with the description of the vision. This dream included symbolism of beasts and numbers. (7:2-3 "Daniel, saw in my vision by night the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea, and four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another.") Immediately following these verses is the interpretation of the vision (7:14-28). The interpretation shows the moral encouragement- that good will ultimately prevail and be rewarded.
The beginning of the chapter starts discussing "Daniel's dream" but them moves into 1st person. When the interpretation starts the author identifies himself as Daniel (7:15).

Daniel 10:1-14

This passage also has a vision and words spoken to Daniel. This passage relates the visions more obviously to the current political situation. The vision discusses opposition from the King Persia (10:13). We also see Moral Encouragement, Daniel is told to "not fear" and assured that his "words have been heard (10:12). Lastly we see implied assistance to interpretation I "have come to help you understand what is to happen to your people at the end of days. For there is a further vision for those days" (10:14).

Daniel 11:1-12:13

We start out right in the middle of the interpretation. 11:1-36 is interpretation of the symbolism behind the kings and kingdoms. It is implied that there will be a fight for power and a constant struggle between these powerful kingdoms. Starting at v. 37 the "end of times" and "resurrection of the dead", our eschatological element. In 12:5 Daniel has another vision and is interacting with the vision, asking question and attempting to interpret and understand it as it is taking place. The last verses of this selection of scripture end on a moral encouragement that is immediately applicable to the reader: "Happy are those who persevere and attain the thousand three hundred thirty-five days. But you, go your way, and rest; you shall rise for your reward at the end of the days" (12:12-13).




I enjoyed diving into this often overlooked side of Daniel this week. I have often spent much time studying the Court Legends in the beginning chapters of the book, but breezed over the apacolyptic texts found in the later part of the book. I love seeing the immediate application the text had, providing encouragement for perseverance to those facing persecution.