Language:
English
Year of publication:
2023
Titel der Quelle:
Vetus Testamentum
Angaben zur Quelle:
73,4-5 (2023) 505-521
Keywords:
Antiochus
;
Bible. Criticism, interpretation, etc.
;
Seleucids
;
Kings and rulers Biblical teaching
Abstract:
According to Dan 11:45, the king of the north, recognizably Antiochus IV, dies in the area of Judea, bringing an end to his kingdom. The book of Daniel thus provides a unique, although historically inaccurate, perspective on the downfall of the Seleucid Empire. In this article I show that this account uses two Danielic kings—Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar—as models for Antiochus’s actions and thus exposes a literary pattern used to portray the king’s end. I argue that doing so, Dan 11 is more interested in reflecting on kingship in Judea in the post-Seleucid period than conveying historical information. Finally, I explore the implications of this reading on our understanding of Daniel’s historical settings.
DOI:
10.1163/15685330-bja10118
URL:
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