Stroll through Scripture for September 1, 2024

Based on Daniel 12:1-13

We have reached the end of the book of Daniel, at least in the Protestant canon.  Interestingly, the Roman Catholic canon of Scripture includes other portions of Daniel.  

In this last chapter, the author of the book is giving one last note of apocalyptic encouragement to those who would read/hear the words of this book.  Ultimately, Daniel is a book of encouragement to a people who live under oppression.  It’s a message that reminds the people that suffering exists, but it will not last forever.  It will come to an end.  And evil will be judged, and the righteous will be rewarded.  

In this chapter, there are a few interesting things to point out.  The language of this chapter makes clear the idea of resurrection of the dead.   Resurrection, in this case, is a later development in the ancient world.  Jewish theology had long taught that the dead all die and are sent to Sheol, the place of the dead.  It’s not hell or a place of torment, but rather where everyone goes when they die.  It is often considered a place of stillness and darkness after death, being equated with the grave.  

With the book of Daniel talking about resurrection, this is a shift.  One wonders if part of this shift comes from Israel suffering so greatly over the centuries.  Later parts of Isaiah hint around resurrection language – for the people as a whole.  So does Ezekiel with the dream about the valley of dry bones.  And here in Daniel 12, it seems as those resurrection is for the whole, not just the individual.  It’s about restoring Israel as a whole.  

Another key theme that is present in Daniel can be summed up with an expression that we still hear today – “How long, O Lord?”  It is a lament, recognizing the horror and cruelty of the age.  It’s a question that directs itself toward larger questions – why is this happening?  How long must we suffer?  This is the age-old question that so many have asked over the eons.  And there is always an unsatisfactory answer for humans.  Daniel isn’t given a time frame specifically.  Rather, he is told that it won’t last.  

One thing to understand about Daniel, and apocalyptic literature as a whole, is that it is loaded with symbolism.  Beasts represent cruel kingdoms and rulers.  Angels represent God’s protection.  And time periods aren’t about specific days – but rather to tell a person whether something will be a long time or shorter period of time.  Regardless of the time frame, the point is this – God will prevail.  

Questions for reflection:

• Daniel offers a great deal of stories and imagination.  It has influenced other apocalyptic scripture as well – like Revelation.  The point of it is to offer encouragement to an oppressed people.  What stories, images, and figures can you think of in history have had a similar effect?  
• How long, O Lord?  This plea to God has been said by so many throughout history.  What are the circumstances you have cried out to God – How Long?