Insights on Daniel the Prophet's Visions

Oct 7, 2024

Lecture Notes on Daniel the Prophet

Introduction

  • Discussion on Daniel the Prophet continues.
  • Focus on a unique verse that encodes the arrival date of Mashiach (Messiah).
  • Historical context involving Babylonian and Persian empires.

Historical Context

  • Belshazzar: Last Babylonian king before the Persian empire took over.
  • Cyrus and Darius the Mede: Not to be confused with Darius the Persian.
  • Transition from Babylonian to Persian control marked the shift from one exile to another.

Daniel's Vision: The Four Beasts

  • Daniel had a vision interpreted as the most famous exile messianic vision.
  • Four Beasts: Represent four exiles the Jewish people would endure.

The Four Exiles

  1. The Lion:

    • Represents the Babylonian empire.
    • Lion had eagle wings, symbolizing royal power and strength.
    • Wings plucked, indicating the decline of Babylon.

  2. The Bear:

    • Represents the Persian empire.
    • Bear had three ribs in its mouth, suggesting conquest and expansion.
    • Symbolizes a less regal, more lumbering power than Babylon.

  3. The Leopard:

    • Represents Greek empire under Alexander the Great.
    • Leopard had four wings and four heads, indicating rapid expansion and eventual division among four generals.

  4. The Unnamed Beast:

    • Represents the Roman empire.
    • Terrifying, strong, with iron teeth, symbolizing destructive power.
    • Ten horns represent ten Roman emperors; a small horn symbolizes a new power (variously interpreted as Titus, Papacy, or Islam).

Interpretation of the Beasts

  • Different interpretations by commentators like Rashi and the Abarbanel.
  • Ibn Ezra's unique interpretation sees Islam as the fourth beast.

Messianic Vision

  • Daniel sees a man coming with the clouds, identified as Mashiach.
  • This figure would bring everlasting peace, with dominion and kingship recognized globally.

The Concept of Judgment

  • Three judgments: yearly (Rosh Hashanah), upon death, and a final judgment at the end of days.

Debates on Mashiach's Arrival

  • Calculating Mashiach's arrival is controversial and traditionally discouraged.
  • Isaiah describes two possible timeframes: Be'ito (in its time) and Achishena (can be hastened).
  • Arrival methods: miraculous (from clouds) or mundane (on a donkey).

Conclusion

  • Daniel's prophecy provides hope and a roadmap for Jewish history through symbolic visions.
  • Next lecture to address further visions and details of exiles and redemption.

This lecture provided a deep dive into the symbolic visions of Daniel, focusing on historical interpretations and prophetic implications for the future. The discussion highlighted the challenges and interpretations of scriptural texts related to exile and redemption.