Book of Daniel

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Tanakh versions:

Throughout this site I may use any of the following three versions of the TaNaKh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS-1917), 2. “Sefaria.org” (SEF), 3. “Mechon-Mamre.org” (MEC).

Colour coded details of the - TaNaKh:

1. Torah = History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings.

*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.

Please Note: Some alterations have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ having been corrected as it once was, pre the “Masoretic Text”.

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Remember the following three truth’s from our beloved Scriptures!

“Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם (the LORD your Elo’lei’chem) which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).

“This is My Name FOREVER, and this is My Memorial to ALL Generations”. Shemot - Exodus 3:15. (JPS).

“I am יְהוָה, that is My Name; and My glory will I not give to another”. Yeshayahu - Isaiah 42:8. (JPS).

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The Book of דָּנִיֵּאל - Daniel.

With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

Just before the study, I would like to commence with one more important quote from the book of Yahushua - Joshua Ch 1:7-8. (JPS-1917).

“Be strong and courageous. Be careful to obey the entire Torah My servant Moshe has given you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Torah depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

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Part One.

Introduction:

The Book of דָּנִיֵּאל - Daniel emphasizes its themes of faith, exile, and redemption, seeing the hero Daniel as embodying the Hebraic people's struggle and hope for divine intervention. While the book is included in the Ketuvim ("Writings") rather than the Nevi'im ("Prophets"), its value is seen in its powerful narrative of a righteous individual's faithfulness to אֱלֹהִים - Elohim (God) amidst foreign oppression and idolatry. Key Hebraic perspectives include the book's portrayal of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s ultimate sovereignty, its use of apocalyptic visions for the Hebrew audience's present-day oppression, and the message’s found in Daniel’s prayers, etc

As we commence to look at the faithful prophet Daniel, let us first look at the following, which are directly related to him, but, also to what we do, and what we can learn from Daniel?

The question is this ... When did דָּנִיֵּאל - Daniel learn to trust יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ - the LORD Eloheinu (God)?

Daniel’s faithful life:

1... He did not learn in the lion’s den.

2... He learned in his prayer time.

3... His faith was not built whilst in battle.

4... His faith was built in constant prayer.

5... He consistently sought after the ever loving Heart of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim.

6... He prayed three times per day, and he did this day after day, month after month!

7... He genuinely loved his אֱלֹהִים.

However, we need also ask the following questions:

Why is it that some of us tend to be inconsistent in our relationship with אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim, בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם קָדוֹשׁוֹ - ‘Baruch Shem Kadosho’ - ‘Blessed be His Holy Name’.

It is because Daniel prayed consistently, but sadly, we tend to pray occasionally. It is not what we do occasionally that makes a difference – BUT, IT IS WHAT WE DO CONSISTENTLY!

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Part Two.

Let us now look at the details regarding the life, actions and the faith of Daniel.:

1... Divine sovereignty:

אֱלֹהִים rules over empires and history, raising and overthrowing Kings while vindicating the faithful.

2... Faith under exile:

Daniel models steadfast observance and prayer, in what is a foreign court that pressures assimilation.

3... Vindication and hope:

The book promises ultimate vindication and restoration for Israel, even when present circumstances did look rather bleak.

4... Apocalyptic vision and symbolic time:

“Visions”, “beasts”, and “weeks” or symbolic periods compress historical meaning into images that encourage endurance.

5... Wisdom and revelation:

Daniel’s role combines amazing courtly wisdom (reading signs, interpreting dreams) with prophetic-apocalyptic revelation.

Corporate and individual responsibility:

Personal righteousness (Daniel’s piety) and communal confession/prayer (Daniel 9) are both central to deliverance.

6... Literary shape and placement in the Hebrew Bible.

Two-part structure:

Narrative court tales (Ch. 1–6) followed by apocalyptic visions (Ch. 7–12).

His book was placed in ‘Ketuvim’ rather than ‘Nevi’im’ in the Hebrew canon, reflecting rabbinic judgments about genre, late composition, as well the nature of visions therein.

Bilingual and layered:

Hebrew and Aramaic sections with a late style vocabulary that shapes dating and interpretive approaches.

Historical and hermeneutical notes from a Jewish perspective:

Jewish tradition reads Daniel as addressing concrete national crises preservation of Torah life under imperial rule, rather than primarily giving a single remote eschatological timetable.

The book’s symbolic imagery was useful across generations: readers re applied its patterns to successive oppressions (e.g, Hellenistic persecutions, Roman rule).

Hebraic exegesis tends to synchronize prophetic imagery with Hebrew communal history and cultic concerns (Temple, atonement, restoration) rather than to develop a Christological or secondary-religion chronology.

7... Daniel 9 in particular (context for chapter 9:

Chapter 9 connects confession and penitence (Daniel’s prayer) with a vision of a divinely appointed period and an anointed figure.

The Hebraic readings interpret the “seventy weeks” and the anointed person(s) within the frame of post exilic restoration, priestly/royal figures, or some later redemptive episodes, rather than a single messianic fulfilment.

The chapter models covenantal repentance:

With communal sin acknowledged, corporate petition made, and divine response promised, this pastoral pattern is central to Hebrew liturgical and theological reflection.

8... Traditional Jewish commentaries and emphases:

Rabbinic and medieval commentators have examined the text’s language, propose historical identifications for Kings and figures, and stress the book’s pastoral use in sustaining hope.

Commentators differ about literal versus symbolic chronology:

There were many who prioritized theological meaning (אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s control, promise of restoration) over precise chronological computation.

Our commentators resist readings that detach the text from Israel’s cultic and national life, keeping the prophecy anchored in Jewish institutional concerns.

9... Pastoral and liturgical uses:

Daniel’s prayers model communal confession and the posture appropriate in exile: humility, corporate responsibility, and trust in Divine mercy.

The narratives and visions serve as teaching tools for resilience, for preserving identity under pressure, and for trusting אֱלֹהִים - God’s justice even when delayed.

Selections from Daniel are used in study and homiletics to encourage fidelity and hope.

10... How to study Daniel in a Jewish frame:

Read the Hebrew/Aramaic text closely and compare major ancient translations for variant readings.

Situate visions in concrete historical crises rather than treating them solely as distant apocalyptic forecasts.

11... Pair narrative and vision:

Let Daniel’s conduct (Ch. 1–6) inform ethical readings of the visions (Ch. 7–12).

Part Three.

What I have not covered so far is, what about Daniel the man?

Daniel was a man and Model of great Piety.

Daniel is portrayed as a very ‘devout’, ‘disciplined’, and a ‘morally steadfast’ individual whose life models faithfulness under pressure!

Key personal virtues:

A man of ‘steadfast prayer’, ‘ritual fidelity’, ‘ethical integrity’, ‘intellectual excellence’, and ‘humility’ before אֱלֹהִים, blessed be He.

His central identity in Jewish reading is less as an abstract seer, and more as a living exemplar of how Hebrews should behave in exile and minority settings.

Social and Historical Setting:

Being a young Judean of noble and/or priestly background was taken to Babylonian exile and raised in the royal court.

Functions within foreign political institutions as an interpreter, counsellor, and an official, but always maintained his faith and commandments, whilst serving the imperial ruler. He represents the adaptive posture of Hebrews who preserve communal identity while engaging in civic structures.

Religious Practice and Prayer Life:

Consistently in prayer: Daniel’s devotion is regular, public yet resolute; his posture before אֱלֹהִים models daily dependence and liturgical discipline.

Corporate concern expressed personally: His prayers often speak for the nation, combining personal piety with communal responsibility.

Repentance and confession: Daniel’s intercessions display theological humility, he confesses national sin and appeals to אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s covenantal mercy.

Wisdom, Learning, and Ethical Conduct:

Courtly wisdom: He excels in learning, interpretation, and discernment; respected by Kings for counsel and administrative skill.

Moral courage: No matter what, he refuses idolatrous compromises (e.g., the King’s food and certain palace rites), accepting personal risk rather than violate the Torah.

Integrity in office: He resists bribery and slander; his honesty contrasts with corrupt court politics and earns divine vindication.

Communal and Pastoral Significance:

Daniel functions as an intercessor whose life teaches leaders and laypeople how to hold faith in hostile settings.

Serves as a pedagogical figure in the Hebrew tradition: He was without a doubt a template for prayer leaders, judges, and those balancing civic duty with religious fidelity.

He inspired liturgical readings and moral instruction emphasizing endurance, confession, and responsible leadership.

Reception in Hebrew Tradition:

Rabbinic and medieval commentators highlight Daniel’s ‘exemplary behaviour’, his ‘steadfastness’ in ‘ritual observance’ and his role as a ‘model’ for all Hebrews who lie under foreign rule.

Later his Hebraic memory preserves stories of stress, humility, and Divine favour!

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PLEASE NOTE: If you need assistance in some way, just ask, I can email you special items to help you with whatever you may need, etc! Just email me (using the link further below) and I will send it to your email, without any follow up whatsoever, or any requests from me! The email is just down this page.

This site was originally for those who needed to return to our blessed and wonderful faith, thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or of possible three times a day and always seek אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance! But as you may have discovered it has become very much a teaching site!

Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said the following, via a number of our prophets...

“Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD of hosts”. Mal’a’chi - Malachi 3:7. MEC).

And Remember ...

Enjoy your Sabbath Rest, Shabbat Shalom!

אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, בְּחֻקּוֹתַי לֵכוּ; וְאֶת-מִשְׁפָּטַי שִׁמְרוּ, וַעֲשׂוּ אוֹתָם

וְאֶת-שַׁבְּתוֹתַי, קַדֵּשׁוּ; וְהָיוּ לְאוֹת, בֵּינִי וּבֵינֵיכֶם-לָדַעַת, כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם

“I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה (the LORD your Eloheichem); walk in My statutes, and keep Mine ordinances, and do them; and hallow My Sabbaths, and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - YaHVaH your Eloheichem”. Yechezkel - Ezekiel 20:19-20. (JPS).

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“Hebraic Studies” motto is as follows;

“The More Torah, the More Life”.

For our Elohim is the One who gave us our ... Life!

May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה= the LORD of hosts. be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the ‘מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Te’fee’lah’s (Prayers) and regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s (blessings) before food and drinks, etc!

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!

Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

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