We do not make
requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy (Daniel 9:18).
In the Christian
Bible, The Book of Daniel is placed among the prophets, right between Ezekiel
(the last major prophet) and Hosea (the first minor prophet). But in the Hebrew
Bible, Daniel takes its place among the Writings, along with Ezra/Nehemiah and
Chronicles, the most recent additions to the Hebrew canon.
This creative
narration of events involving Daniel is aimed at Jews experiencing persecution
under the harsh rule of Antiochus IV (Epiphanes), a Greek tyrant ruling over Jerusalem
in the second century BC. Antiochus had installed his own High Priest, executed
many notable Jewish leaders, ordered the worship of Zeus, criminalized
possession of the Jewish Scriptures, and slaughtered a pig on the temple altar.
Because of Jewish resistance in Jerusalem, Antiochus attacked without mercy.
Forty thousand Jews were killed in three days, with another forty thousand sold
into slavery.
Apocalyptic
literature (Daniel 7-12, Revelation) is aimed at persecuted peoples for the
purpose of encouraging them to hold on in faith; to let them know that, even
though troubles may come, God has not forgotten them; and that in the end good
triumphs over evil.
We can take comfort
that God preserved the Jews during the rage of Antiochus and Christians under
Roman domination. Likewise, God wants you to hold on. Things will get better.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
Ask God for grace to
endure; and then hold on.
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