Daniel

The book of Daniel has intrigued and baffled people for centuries. The dreams, the beasts, and the interpretations have all puzzled them. Another problem that some people have with the book of Daniel is the authorship. Although the book has the name of Daniel, it does not mean that Daniel wrote it; other books in the Old Testament such as Esther, Job, and Samuel were named as such because of their main character. Although some people believe that the book of Daniel was written in 2nd century, others believe that Daniel wrote Daniel in the 6th century. Today we will look and see how Daniel was the real author of Daniel through history, archaeology, and the Bible.
History is one of the strongest evidences for the validity of the book of Daniel.
There are many historical recordings that help prove Daniel is the author of the book of Daniel one of the evidences is the historical facts found in the book. Only a person in the 6th century who was well versed in Babylonian affairs could have written all the details found in Daniel. (Bible) One of the contentions for Daniel not being the author of the book of Daniel is in Daniel 1:1 which states that in the “3rd year of the reign of Jehoiakim Jerusalem was besieged” while in Jeremiah 25:1 is states that “in the 4th year of Jehoiakim.” (Jeramy) Many critics see this as an error in Daniel’s writing, however Daniel and Jeremiah were just using two different dating systems. Jeremiah was using the Palestinian dating system and Daniel was using the Babylonian system. While at first there seemed to be a contradiction, taking a deeper look revealed that it was just a simple misunderstanding.
While history has strong evidences for the authorship of Daniel, archaeology has even more convincing articles and facts.
One of the most famous and substantial archaeology finds was the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were discovered in 1948. The Dead Sea Scrolls, which date back to 150 – 170 BC, contain all parts of the Old Testament books except the book of Esther. (Finley 3) The Cyrus’ Cylinder which records Cyrus’s overthrowing of Babylon and the subsequent deliverance of the Jewish people, is also another find in archaeology that helps prove the validity of what Daniel wrote about. (Finley 3) Archaeology has many more articles and finds that help prove Daniel and the Bible right; it also gives solid evidence for belief in the
Bible.
The Bible itself is the strongest advocate for the validity of Daniel’s authorship.
Jesus endorses the book of Daniel in Matthew 24:15 which reads, “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place.” (Bible) Here Jesus is mentioning that Daniel himself is the author. Also, the book of Daniel itself helps prove the validity Daniel authorship when he refers to himself in first person numerous times; for example, Daniel 8:1-7; 13-19; 12:2-5, and more. Daniel also states that he personally received the divine order to preserve the book -Daniel 12:4. (Bible) Another evidence found in the Bible is looking back at Daniel’s life. No one says that Daniel didn’t exist or live so reading the Bible account of his life story is proof that he lived. In Daniel 6:4 it says, “Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion or fault.” (Bible) If Daniel were a faultless individual then why would he lie about writing the book of Daniel? I believe he didn’t lie and God inspired what he wrote.
History has not only revealed what has happened in the past, but it as also helped prove God and the Bible right. Not only has archaeology has given us a glimpse more into the past and what life was like back then, but it has also given us more certainty in the validity Bible and God. Through learning more about history and archaeology, this knowledge has helped
increase people’s faith in God and the Bible. History, archaeology, and the Bible all have helped prove each other, especially difficult books like Daniel.