Was Daniel 12 written before the events it predicts, and if so, how do we explain its accuracy? If written after, can it still be considered prophetic? Definition and Scope of the Question Daniel 12 presents a profound account of future events, including great distress, the deliverance of God’s people, and the resurrection of the dead (Daniel 12:1–3). The question arises whether this chapter was composed before the historical occurrences it describes—particularly events surrounding a period of intense persecution—or whether it was compiled afterward, thus negating its claim to authentic prophecy. Below follows a comprehensive examination of the textual, historical, and interpretive factors that address these issues. Historical Setting and Literary Context Daniel is traditionally placed during the Babylonian and early Persian periods (c. sixth century BC). The text of Daniel 1:1 labels the setting during the reign of Jehoiakim (circa 605 BC), and Daniel 12 emerges as the conclusion of prophetic visions spanning Babylonian, Median-Persian, and future empires. Critical perspectives hold that Daniel must have been written in the mid-second century BC during the persecutions by Antiochus IV Epiphanes (circa 167–164 BC). However, numerous historical and literary indicators point to an earlier date. 1. Integration in the Septuagint The Book of Daniel was translated into Greek (the Septuagint) no later than the late second century BC, which already places the Hebrew/Aramaic original earlier than this date. This argues against the notion that Daniel was compiled hastily during the Maccabean dilemma and supports an earlier completion. 2. Multiple Language Use Daniel is written partly in Hebrew (Daniel 1:1–2:4a; 8:1–12:13) and partly in Aramaic (Daniel 2:4b–7:28). Scholars have noted that the Aramaic in Daniel aligns more consistently with Imperial Aramaic used in the sixth century BC than the later dialects of the second century BC. This contributes to the view that it belongs to an earlier era. 3. External Evidence from Josephus The first-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews 10.11) states that Alexander the Great was shown the Book of Daniel when he arrived in Jerusalem (late fourth century BC). Josephus records that Daniel’s prophecies—predicting a Greek empire that would come after the Persians—were referenced to Alexander himself. Though debated, this tradition implies acceptance of an established text by that time. Manuscript Support and Archaeological Findings 1. Dead Sea Scrolls Among the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in Qumran (mid-twentieth century), there are fragments of Daniel (4QDana–d, 6QDane) dated to the late second century BC or earlier. These manuscripts show that Daniel was already recognized and widely circulated. The presence of these scrolls with reverential annotations also indicates a canonical or near-canonical status for Daniel by the time of the Hasmonean period, making a late-second-century composition less plausible. 2. References to Belshazzar Daniel 5 presents Belshazzar as the final ruler in Babylon on the night it fell. For centuries, Belshazzar's existence was doubted due to lack of extra-biblical evidence—an irony if Daniel were compiled after the events, when presumably more would be known. Then, in 1854, archaeologists unearthed clay cylinders at Ur bearing inscriptions about Belshazzar as the son of Nabonidus. This corroborates Daniel’s accuracy in a way not easily invented by a later writer. 3. Historical Verisimilitude Daniel’s records about Babylonian and Persian royal customs, official titles, and administrative details match what is now known through excavations and cuneiform inscriptions. This consistency suggests firsthand knowledge or earlier sources rather than a late fiction or post-event summary. Prophetic Nature of Daniel 12 Daniel 12:1–3 states: “‘At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise. There will be a time of distress such as never has occurred from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt. Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.’” Some interpreters note that parts of chapters 10–11 may detail the oppression by Antiochus IV Epiphanes during the Maccabean period (circa 167–164 BC). Indeed, those events fit the text quite remarkably. The precise references to conflicts, alliances, and desecrations in Daniel 11 are too close, critics say, to be prophecy. However: 1. Long-Range Fulfillment Even if some details align with Antiochus IV Epiphanes, Daniel 12 expands to a future resurrection context, pointing beyond second-century circumstances. This broader scope indicates more than a simple retelling or reinterpretation of recent events. 2. Pattern of Prophetic Layers Many biblical prophecies have an initial partial fulfillment (for example, a near historical event) and a yet-future ultimate fulfillment. Daniel 12 includes cosmic-scale predictions—resurrections, the final reward of the righteous—which cannot be confined to Antiochus’ day. Such a wide angle is characteristic of genuine prophecy rather than mere historical recollection. 3. Confirmation by Other Prophets and Jesus Daniel 12:1–3 finds echoes in the New Testament, where the concept of the resurrection of the dead reemerges (cf. John 5:28–29; Revelation 20:12–13). Also, Jesus directly references Daniel in Matthew 24:15, saying: “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ described by the prophet Daniel…” This acknowledgment underscores Daniel’s recognized role as a true prophet, not just a writer of history after the fact. Addressing the Question of Authentic Prophecy 1. If Written Before the Events The remarkable accuracy can logically be attributed to divinely inspired prophecy. The ability to foretell specific upheavals, the humiliation of rulers, and the future resurrection underscores a power beyond human capacity. In many places, Scripture affirms that genuine prophecy proves divine involvement (cf. Isaiah 46:9–10). 2. If Alleged to Be Written Afterward A second-century BC date would make Daniel 12 look merely historical rather than prophetic. Yet the textual, linguistic, and manuscript evidence points strongly to earlier authorship. Even if a late date were supposed, Daniel’s future references still extend far beyond second-century events, addressing times yet to come and everlasting realities. They cannot be fully accounted for by Maccabean-era retellings. 3. Unity and Consistency of Scripture The entire biblical witness—from older prophecy to the New Testament—treats Daniel as legitimate prophecy. Combining the internal consistency of the text with corroborating historical, archaeological, and manuscript evidence fortifies the claim that Daniel’s detailed descriptions predate the events. Philosophical and Theological Implications 1. Implication for Divine Foreknowledge Accurate prophecy concerning later historical occurrences highlights the concept of divine sovereignty. Scripture teaches that God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). Daniel 12’s depiction of resurrection and final judgment reflects a purposeful plan that transcends mere historical happenstance. 2. Purpose of Prophecy Daniel’s prophecies, including chapter 12, offer hope and a call to righteousness: “Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens…” (Daniel 12:3). This is not only a reassurance to its immediate audience but also a universal reminder that God orchestrates history and ultimately establishes justice. 3. Assurance of Scripture’s Reliability Fulfilled prophecy reaffirms the authenticity and integrity of the biblical record. If Daniel 12 does indeed prophesy events that later took place, it reinforces the trustworthiness of the entire volume of Scripture. Conclusion Daniel 12’s prophetic content, whether it focuses on near-term salvation from persecution under Antiochus IV Epiphanes or, ultimately, final resurrection and judgment, is best understood within its sixth-century BC setting. The accumulated testimony of linguistic, manuscript, historical, and literary evidence supports an early date of composition. Even if some scholars date portions of Daniel to the second century BC, the text clearly foresees more than that historical window. Prophecy in Scripture often functions with a dual fulfillment, looking to the immediate crisis and beyond to God’s ultimate plan. Thus, Daniel 12 remains fully prophetic in its essence. It is not merely an after-the-fact compilation but a genuine revelation of events under divine orchestration, pointing to both the deliverance in specific historical circumstances and the broader hope of resurrection and life everlasting. |
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