This is the last week of the liturgical year and it is appropriate to read some apocalyptic materials.
Septuagint and Vulgate put Daniel among the major prophets and put this book after Ezekiel. However, the Hebrew Scripture does not include it among the Prophetic books. Rather, it goes along with the Wisdom Literature such as Job, Psalm and Proverbs etc. There must be a reason for such an arrangement.
As far as its contents are concerned, the book of Daniel does not tell the people to repent, like most prophets do. Rather, it consoles and encourages its readers to endure patiently the present trials and tribulations. In his visions, he sees the end of the world which they should embrace because this would be their true salvation. Therefore, the book of Daniel does not belong to the genre of Prophets.
Septuagint and Vulgate put Daniel among the major prophets and put this book after Ezekiel. However, the Hebrew Scripture does not include it among the Prophetic books. Rather, it goes along with the Wisdom Literature such as Job, Psalm and Proverbs etc. There must be a reason for such an arrangement.
As far as its contents are concerned, the book of Daniel does not tell the people to repent, like most prophets do. Rather, it consoles and encourages its readers to endure patiently the present trials and tribulations. In his visions, he sees the end of the world which they should embrace because this would be their true salvation. Therefore, the book of Daniel does not belong to the genre of Prophets.
Daniel was among the youth of the nobility exiled to Babylon. Three other young men, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah together with Daniel, were selected to receive a 3-year training and later to serve in the King's court. The king ordered good food and drinks to feed these outstanding Jews. However, Daniel was different. He would not want to be defiled by the food and drink of the King. He requested the eunuch-in-charge to test them for ten days. If eating vegetables alone made Daniel ill, he would follow the instructions of the eunuch-in-charge. Otherwise, he should be given the freedom not to eat the food and drinks supplied by the king. This is a reasonable request but read how the book treats the response of the chief eunuch.
And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs;
and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, "I fear lest my lord the king, who appointed your food and your drink, should see that you were in poorer condition than the youths who are of your own age. So you would endanger my head with the king." (Daniel 1:9-10)
God works behind the scene. But the chief of the eunuchs must also be reasonable. Had he been somebody neurotic, he would not have accepted Daniel's 10-day proposal. So, this eunuch had, without his knowing, worked for God. God allowed Babylon to conquer Judah. Her king was blinded and exiled together with many nobilities. It seemed that God had abandoned them. But in fact, God had turned underground. He was still working and staying with these few Jews.
And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs;
and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, "I fear lest my lord the king, who appointed your food and your drink, should see that you were in poorer condition than the youths who are of your own age. So you would endanger my head with the king." (Daniel 1:9-10)
God works behind the scene. But the chief of the eunuchs must also be reasonable. Had he been somebody neurotic, he would not have accepted Daniel's 10-day proposal. So, this eunuch had, without his knowing, worked for God. God allowed Babylon to conquer Judah. Her king was blinded and exiled together with many nobilities. It seemed that God had abandoned them. But in fact, God had turned underground. He was still working and staying with these few Jews.
God stayed with Daniel, like Joseph and Samuel in the Old Testament. After 3 years, Daniel had attained outstanding abilities. The passing out ceremony was an opportunity for Daniel to show off his Lord to the king.
And in every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.
And Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus (Daniel 1:20-21).
And in every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.
And Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus (Daniel 1:20-21).
Dear Lord, please stay with us even in times of adversities. Amen.
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