Topical Encyclopedia The Apocryphal Additions to the Book of Daniel refer to several sections found in the Greek Septuagint and other ancient versions of the Old Testament, which are not present in the Hebrew Masoretic Text. These additions include "The Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Holy Children," "Susanna," and "Bel and the Dragon." While these texts are considered canonical by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, they are regarded as apocryphal by most Protestant traditions, which adhere to the Hebrew canon.The Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Holy Children This addition is inserted between Daniel 3:23 and 3:24 in the Septuagint. It expands on the narrative of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. The text begins with a prayer by Azariah (Abednego), who calls upon God for deliverance and acknowledges the sins of Israel. Following the prayer, the narrative describes an angel of the Lord who cools the flames, allowing the three men to sing a hymn of praise. This hymn, known as the "Song of the Three Holy Children," is a liturgical piece that exalts God's creation and His deliverance. Susanna The account of Susanna is a moral tale of virtue and justice. It is set during the Babylonian exile and tells of a beautiful and pious woman named Susanna, who is falsely accused of adultery by two elders. As she is about to be executed, the young Daniel intervenes, demonstrating wisdom and discernment. By cross-examining the elders separately, Daniel exposes their deceit, leading to their punishment and Susanna's vindication. This narrative highlights themes of innocence, divine justice, and the importance of righteous judgment. Bel and the Dragon This addition consists of two separate accounts that further illustrate Daniel's wisdom and faithfulness to God. In the first account, Daniel exposes the deceit of the priests of Bel, a Babylonian idol, by revealing that they consume the offerings left for the idol. In the second account, Daniel demonstrates the powerlessness of a dragon worshiped by the Babylonians. By feeding it a concoction that causes its destruction, Daniel proves the futility of idolatry. These accounts emphasize the superiority of the God of Israel over pagan deities and the triumph of faith over falsehood. Canonical Status and Theological Significance The Apocryphal Additions to Daniel are not included in the Jewish canon and are absent from the Protestant Old Testament. However, they are found in the Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate, which have influenced their acceptance in certain Christian traditions. These texts provide additional insights into the themes of faith, divine intervention, and the struggle against idolatry, which are central to the canonical Book of Daniel. While not considered authoritative Scripture in many Christian circles, these additions have been valued for their moral teachings and their role in the broader context of biblical literature. They offer a glimpse into the religious and cultural milieu of the Second Temple period and reflect the enduring struggle of God's people to remain faithful amidst adversity. Smith's Bible Dictionary Apocryphal Additions To DanielThe Greek translations of Daniel contain several pieces which are not found int he original text. The most important are contained in the Apocrypha of the English Bible under the titles of The Son of the Three Holy Children, The History of Susannah, and The History of...Bel and the Dragon. The first of these is supposed to be the triumphal song of the three confessors in the furnace, (Daniel 3:23) praising God for their deliverance, of which a chief part (35-66) has been used as a hymn in the Christian Church since the fourth century. The second, called also The Judgment of Daniel , relates the story of the clearing of Susannah from a charge of adultery; and the third gives an exaggerated account of Daniel's deliverance. Library Chronology. Preface Date and Place of Writing. Use of the Old Testament by the First Christian Writers, and by ... Early Christian Literature and Art Introduction. Canonicity. Theology. Authorship. Canonicity. Resources What are the Apocrypha / Deuterocanonical books? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Prayer of Azariah? | GotQuestions.org How do we know that the Bible is the Word of God, and not the Apocrypha, the Qur'an, the Book of Mormon, etc.? | GotQuestions.org Apocryphal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |