Ezekiel and Daniel (Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary) by Daniel Bodi & Ernest C. Lucas

Author:Daniel Bodi & Ernest C. Lucas [Bodi, Daniel]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: REL006060 Religion / Biblical Commentary / Old Testament
ISBN: 9780310527695
Publisher: Zondervan
Published: 2016-01-11T16:00:00+00:00

Dream omens

Todd Bolen/www.BiblePlaces.com

Daniel 7 and 8 are examples of symbolic visions. These were a feature of Hebrew prophecy from as early as Amos (ca. 760 B.C.). However, whereas in earlier prophets (e.g., Amos 7–8; Jer. 1; 24) the symbolism is quite simple, in Daniel it is more complex.9 It is important to realize that the symbolism in these visions is not simply a form of “code” that is “cracked” once it is said that, for example, the goat in Daniel 8 represents the Greek Empire. As we will see, the symbols used have deep cultural roots, so that to those who are aware of them, they have a significance and “feel” that goes beyond the intellectual level. A modern equivalent might be the significance that a country’s flag has for many people (so that “burning the flag” becomes an emotive political act) or that the jersey of a football team has for an ardent fan (who will pay a lot to buy a replica in order to wear it proudly as statement of allegiance).

The cultural significance of the symbols gives the visions additional meanings that are lost on those who are unaware of it and who therefore concentrate simply on the “surface” identification of the meaning of the symbols. Symbolic visions like this are common in Jewish and Christian apocalypses from the period about 250 B.C. to A.D. 250, the book of Revelation in the New Testament being a good example.

The two visions that make up Daniel 9 and 10–12 do not have the dream report structure, nor are they symbolic visions. They are epiphany visions, in which a supernatural being appears and conveys a verbal message. In their form and content they have no clear parallel elsewhere in the Old Testament. The content is a fairly detailed survey of history, presented in short, enigmatic phrases. Daniel 8:23–25 shares these characteristics. When we discuss Daniel 10–12 we will see that there is an illuminating parallel in the so-called Akkadian prophecies.

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