Apocalyptic literature like that of the Book of Daniel reveals aspirations of a group for their future. This type of literature, which is focused on eschatological themes conveys ideologies about the meaning and purpose of life. In this context Daniel’s visions act as an affirmation of Jewish empowerment for the future, even if they have struggled in the past. I will prove that the inclusion of Daniel’s visions in the Hebrew Bible serve the function of reflecting the ideal of Divine ordinance in granting Jewish power and supremacy in the future.
These visions draw upon stories throughout the east, but are reworked in order to benefit a Jewish context. They reinforce the covenant of Jewish people with God even when the structure and themes are in direct reference to a previously established tradition. John Collins tells us …show more content…
The comparisons begin with the characterization of the gods and Daniel’s characterization of the “Ancient of Days” figure: El is a figure with a white beard and Baal is the “rider of the clouds,” both of which correspond to Daniel’s “Ancient of Days” figure that might be the God YHWH and a figure that flies into Daniel’s vision on a cloud (Collins 2014: 344). Thus, there is a comparison to make between Daniel’s visions and pre-established stories from the east (Collins 2014). Collins points out one significant element of Daniel’s visions: “The conflict is resolved by a divine judgement” (2014: 345). These visions are grounded in Jerusalem because, as
These visions draw upon stories throughout the east, but are reworked in order to benefit a Jewish context. They reinforce the covenant of Jewish people with God even when the structure and themes are in direct reference to a previously established tradition. John Collins tells us …show more content…
The comparisons begin with the characterization of the gods and Daniel’s characterization of the “Ancient of Days” figure: El is a figure with a white beard and Baal is the “rider of the clouds,” both of which correspond to Daniel’s “Ancient of Days” figure that might be the God YHWH and a figure that flies into Daniel’s vision on a cloud (Collins 2014: 344). Thus, there is a comparison to make between Daniel’s visions and pre-established stories from the east (Collins 2014). Collins points out one significant element of Daniel’s visions: “The conflict is resolved by a divine judgement” (2014: 345). These visions are grounded in Jerusalem because, as