Bible Study Book Of Daniel Lesson # 3
The Book of Daniel is prophetic and apocalyptic literature about a faithful servant of Yahweh living in Babylonian exile. Daniel’s prophetic visions offer hope that God will bring all nations under his rule.
Who Wrote Daniel?
Although most scholars consistently agree that Daniel, an Israelite captive in Babylon during the sixth century BC, wrote the first six chapters of the Book of Daniel, some scholars debate as to who authored the final six. The chapters experience a shift in the language used, tone, and style, which contributes to this debate.
Most theologians do agree that Daniel wrote the entirety of the book. But some minority views, including those outsides of the Christian faith, believe the final six chapters were written by a Jew during the time when Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Jewish temple with an abomination of desolation.
However, this shows a lack of belief in the power of prophecy – that the events of Antiochus IV could have been foreseen in a vision hundreds of years before happening. Most scholars agree Daniel is the author of all twelve chapters, and the differences in style, language and theme are due to the shift of the Babylonian narratives (seen in chapters 1-6) to the visions Daniel experienced about events to come (chapters 7-12). The two sections are also intended for different audiences, which could explain the difference in language.
