Matt 24:15-16 "Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet,
standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains;
Dan 9:27 "And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to
sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete
destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate."
Dan 12:11 "And from the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be
1,290 days.
The Apostle Paul also makes reference to this.
II Th 2:3-4 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness
is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he
takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.
There are of course reference works that do date the book of Daniel correctly. Unfortunately among the many reference works
these references seem to be in the minority.
Webster's Family Encyclopedia, 1989 edition, vol.3, pg. 717
Daniel (6th century BC) An Old Testament prophet and Jewish exile in Babylon. The Book of Daniel is credited to him
although some believe it to have been written in the 2nd century BC. The first six chapters tell of various mainly supernatural
episodes involving Daniel and his companions under King Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar. The remaining six chapters are
mostly apocaplyptic visions concerning the future of the Jews.
Note the Webster's Family Encyclopedia acknowledges that some believe Daniel was written in the 2nd century BC, but still
dates Daniel in the 6th century BC.
Easton's Bible Dictionary,
Daniel, Book of is ranked by the Jews in that division of their Bible called the Hagiographa (Heb. Khethubim). (See BIBLE.) It
consists of two distinct parts. The first part, consisting of the first six chapters, is chiefly historical; and the second part,
consisting of the remaining six chapters, is chiefly prophetical.
The historical part of the book treats of the period of the Captivity. Daniel is "the historian of the Captivity, the writer who alone
furnishes any series of events for that dark and dismal period during which the harp of Israel hung on the trees that grew by the
Euphrates. His narrative may be said in general to intervene between Kings and Chronicles on the one hand and Ezra on the
other, or (more strictly) to fill out the sketch which the author of the Chronicles gives in a single verse in his last chapter: 'And
them that had escaped from the sword carried he [i.e., Nebuchadnezzar] away to Babylon; where they were servants to him
and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia'"
(2 Chr. 36:20).
The prophetical part consists of three visions and one lengthened prophetical communication.
The genuineness of this book has been much disputed, but the arguments in its favour fully establish its claims. (1.) We have
the testimony of Christ (Matt. 24:15; 25:31; 26:64) and his apostles (1 Cor. 6:2; 2 Thess. 2:3) for its authority; and (2) the
important testimony of Ezekiel (14:14, 20; 28:3). (3.) The character and records of the book are also entirely in harmony with
the times and circumstances in which the author lived. (4.) The linguistic character of the book is, moreover, just such as might
be expected. Certain portions (Dan. 2:4; 7) are written in the Chaldee language; and the portions written in Hebrew are in a
style and form having a close affinity with the later books of the Old Testament, especially with that of Ezra. The writer is familiar
both with the Hebrew and the Chaldee, passing from the one to the other just as his subject required. This is in strict
accordance with the position of the author and of the people for whom his book was written. That Daniel is the writer of this
book is also testified to in the book itself (7:1, 28; 8:2; 9:2; 10:1, 2; 12:4, 5).
I would like to point out the importance of Daniel claiming to be the author. We find references where Daniel speaks as though
he is the author.
Dan 8:15 And it came about when I, Daniel, had seen the vision, that I sought to understand it; and behold, standing before me
was one who looked like a man.
Dan 8:27 Then I, Daniel, was exhausted and sick for days. Then I got up again and carried on the king's business; but I was
astounded at the vision, and there was none to explain it.
Dan 9:2 in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of the years which was revealed as the word of
the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.
Dan 10:2 In those days I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks.
Dan 10:7 Now I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, while the men who were with me did not see the vision; nevertheless, a great
dread fell on them, and they ran away to hide themselves.
Dan 12:5 Then I, Daniel, looked and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the river, and the other on that bank
of the river.
For the Author to say "I Daniel" informs us that the author is Daniel himself and not someone else. Furthermore the author
dates himself in certain passages. Following is one such example.
Dan 7:1-2 & 28 (1) In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions in his mind as he lay on his
bed; then he wrote the dream down and related the following summary of it. (2) Daniel said, "I was looking in my vision by night,
and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. (following the context down we read) ........... (28) At this
point the revelation ended. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts were greatly alarming me and my face grew pale, but I kept the
matter to myself."
Notice this author claims that Daniel had a dream or vision in the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon. Then the author
speaks as Daniel himself. My point is that the author gives us every indication that he is Daniel and writing during the time
period of which he is speaking. Belshazzar is dated around 539 BC.
Encarta Encyclopedia 2000. © 1993-1999 Microsoftref , "Belshazzar,"
Belshazzar (550?-539?BC), in the Old Testament, Babylonian prince mentioned in
Daniel 5 as the last Chaldean king of Babylon.
Enclopaedia Britanica, Multimedia CD 98, Belshazzar, Neo-Babylonian
BEL-SHAR-USUR, Greek BALTASAR, or BALTHASAR (d. c. 539 BC),
coregent of Babylon who was killed at the capture of the city by the Persians.
Belshazzar had been known only from the biblical Book of Daniel (chapters 5, 7-8) and from Xenophon's Cyropaedia until
1854, when references to him were found in Babylonian cuneiform inscriptions.
If Daniel did not write this during the time period indicated then it is a deception on the part of the author. In other words the
author would be a fraud who deceived Josephus the Jewish historian as well as Jesus himself. Remember Jesus reminded
them what was spoken of by Daniel the prophet. (Matt 24:15-16) If the writer actually lived during the second century BC and
wrote as if he was Daniel who lived during the reign of Belshazzar then he would not be a prophet, but rather he would be a liar
and a fraud. Jesus refers to Daniel as a prophet. Josephus also would not be much of a historian to fail to recognize this fraud.
Summary
The following reasons have been covered showing that the book of Daniel was not written during the Maccabean wars
167-164 BC. The book of Daniel was written in the 6th century BC.
1. The Septuagint which is a Greek Translation of the older Hebrew manuscripts was translated 275-100 BC. (a) In other words
the book of Daniel could not have been translated from one language to another until it was actually written. (b) This is not
enough time for the Jews to accept a recent fraud as an ancient authoritative work.
2. Josephus was an early historian who is said to have credibility and his works are invaluable sources for the history of the
Jews. Josephus places the person Daniel in the reign of Nebuchadnezzar 605 -561 BC. In this reference Josephus gives an
account of
Daniel and his friends having their names changed by the king. This reference from Josephus correlates with what we find in
the book of Daniel.
3. Josephus also makes reference to the book of Daniel as being complete and already accepted during the time period of
Alexander the Great who was born in 356 BC.
4. Daniel is mentioned in the book of Ezekiel which is dated the 6th century BC.
5. Jesus called Daniel a prophet and made a reference to what is written in the book of Daniel. The Apostle Paul also makes a
reference to what is revealed in the book of Daniel.
6. There are reference works that accept the dating of Daniel as 6th century BC as well as the genuineness of the book itself.
Two references were given (a) Webster's Family Encyclopedia (b) Easton's Bible Dictionary
7. The linguistic character of the book is as might be expected. Certain portions
(Dan. 2:4; 7) are written in the Chaldee language; and the portions written in Hebrew are in a style and form having a close
affinity with the later books of the Old Testament, especially with that of Ezra.
8. That Daniel is the writer of this book is also testified to in the book itself (7:1-2, 28; 8:2; 15; 27, 9:2; 10:1, 2; 7 12:4, 5).
Daniel did indeed live in the 6th century BC. His predictions concerning the Medes and the Persians taking over Babylon
followed by the Greeks conquering the Medes and the Persians are remarkable. These predictions only scratch the surface of
the predictions in the book of Daniel. Nostradamus and Jean Dixon together could not match the detail or accuracy as found in
the book of Daniel. How is this possible? It is because as Daniel says " there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries"
(Dan 2:28). Some of Daniel's prophecy is covered in Daniel part 2.
Interesting Quotes
Isa 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.
Isa 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, 'My purpose
will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure';
Time Magazine DEC. 30, 1974 "After more than two centuries of facing the heaviest scientific guns that could be brought to
bear, the bible has survived and perhaps better for the siege even on the critics own terms. Historical fact, the scriptures seem
more acceptable now than they did when the rationalist began the attack"
Sir Isaac Newton "to reject Daniel is to reject the Christian religion."
standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains;
Dan 9:27 "And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to
sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete
destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate."
Dan 12:11 "And from the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be
1,290 days.
The Apostle Paul also makes reference to this.
II Th 2:3-4 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness
is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he
takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.
There are of course reference works that do date the book of Daniel correctly. Unfortunately among the many reference works
these references seem to be in the minority.
Webster's Family Encyclopedia, 1989 edition, vol.3, pg. 717
Daniel (6th century BC) An Old Testament prophet and Jewish exile in Babylon. The Book of Daniel is credited to him
although some believe it to have been written in the 2nd century BC. The first six chapters tell of various mainly supernatural
episodes involving Daniel and his companions under King Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar. The remaining six chapters are
mostly apocaplyptic visions concerning the future of the Jews.
Note the Webster's Family Encyclopedia acknowledges that some believe Daniel was written in the 2nd century BC, but still
dates Daniel in the 6th century BC.
Easton's Bible Dictionary,
Daniel, Book of is ranked by the Jews in that division of their Bible called the Hagiographa (Heb. Khethubim). (See BIBLE.) It
consists of two distinct parts. The first part, consisting of the first six chapters, is chiefly historical; and the second part,
consisting of the remaining six chapters, is chiefly prophetical.
The historical part of the book treats of the period of the Captivity. Daniel is "the historian of the Captivity, the writer who alone
furnishes any series of events for that dark and dismal period during which the harp of Israel hung on the trees that grew by the
Euphrates. His narrative may be said in general to intervene between Kings and Chronicles on the one hand and Ezra on the
other, or (more strictly) to fill out the sketch which the author of the Chronicles gives in a single verse in his last chapter: 'And
them that had escaped from the sword carried he [i.e., Nebuchadnezzar] away to Babylon; where they were servants to him
and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia'"
(2 Chr. 36:20).
The prophetical part consists of three visions and one lengthened prophetical communication.
The genuineness of this book has been much disputed, but the arguments in its favour fully establish its claims. (1.) We have
the testimony of Christ (Matt. 24:15; 25:31; 26:64) and his apostles (1 Cor. 6:2; 2 Thess. 2:3) for its authority; and (2) the
important testimony of Ezekiel (14:14, 20; 28:3). (3.) The character and records of the book are also entirely in harmony with
the times and circumstances in which the author lived. (4.) The linguistic character of the book is, moreover, just such as might
be expected. Certain portions (Dan. 2:4; 7) are written in the Chaldee language; and the portions written in Hebrew are in a
style and form having a close affinity with the later books of the Old Testament, especially with that of Ezra. The writer is familiar
both with the Hebrew and the Chaldee, passing from the one to the other just as his subject required. This is in strict
accordance with the position of the author and of the people for whom his book was written. That Daniel is the writer of this
book is also testified to in the book itself (7:1, 28; 8:2; 9:2; 10:1, 2; 12:4, 5).
I would like to point out the importance of Daniel claiming to be the author. We find references where Daniel speaks as though
he is the author.
Dan 8:15 And it came about when I, Daniel, had seen the vision, that I sought to understand it; and behold, standing before me
was one who looked like a man.
Dan 8:27 Then I, Daniel, was exhausted and sick for days. Then I got up again and carried on the king's business; but I was
astounded at the vision, and there was none to explain it.
Dan 9:2 in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of the years which was revealed as the word of
the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.
Dan 10:2 In those days I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks.
Dan 10:7 Now I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, while the men who were with me did not see the vision; nevertheless, a great
dread fell on them, and they ran away to hide themselves.
Dan 12:5 Then I, Daniel, looked and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the river, and the other on that bank
of the river.
For the Author to say "I Daniel" informs us that the author is Daniel himself and not someone else. Furthermore the author
dates himself in certain passages. Following is one such example.
Dan 7:1-2 & 28 (1) In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions in his mind as he lay on his
bed; then he wrote the dream down and related the following summary of it. (2) Daniel said, "I was looking in my vision by night,
and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. (following the context down we read) ........... (28) At this
point the revelation ended. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts were greatly alarming me and my face grew pale, but I kept the
matter to myself."
Notice this author claims that Daniel had a dream or vision in the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon. Then the author
speaks as Daniel himself. My point is that the author gives us every indication that he is Daniel and writing during the time
period of which he is speaking. Belshazzar is dated around 539 BC.
Encarta Encyclopedia 2000. © 1993-1999 Microsoftref , "Belshazzar,"
Belshazzar (550?-539?BC), in the Old Testament, Babylonian prince mentioned in
Daniel 5 as the last Chaldean king of Babylon.
Enclopaedia Britanica, Multimedia CD 98, Belshazzar, Neo-Babylonian
BEL-SHAR-USUR, Greek BALTASAR, or BALTHASAR (d. c. 539 BC),
coregent of Babylon who was killed at the capture of the city by the Persians.
Belshazzar had been known only from the biblical Book of Daniel (chapters 5, 7-8) and from Xenophon's Cyropaedia until
1854, when references to him were found in Babylonian cuneiform inscriptions.
If Daniel did not write this during the time period indicated then it is a deception on the part of the author. In other words the
author would be a fraud who deceived Josephus the Jewish historian as well as Jesus himself. Remember Jesus reminded
them what was spoken of by Daniel the prophet. (Matt 24:15-16) If the writer actually lived during the second century BC and
wrote as if he was Daniel who lived during the reign of Belshazzar then he would not be a prophet, but rather he would be a liar
and a fraud. Jesus refers to Daniel as a prophet. Josephus also would not be much of a historian to fail to recognize this fraud.
Summary
The following reasons have been covered showing that the book of Daniel was not written during the Maccabean wars
167-164 BC. The book of Daniel was written in the 6th century BC.
1. The Septuagint which is a Greek Translation of the older Hebrew manuscripts was translated 275-100 BC. (a) In other words
the book of Daniel could not have been translated from one language to another until it was actually written. (b) This is not
enough time for the Jews to accept a recent fraud as an ancient authoritative work.
2. Josephus was an early historian who is said to have credibility and his works are invaluable sources for the history of the
Jews. Josephus places the person Daniel in the reign of Nebuchadnezzar 605 -561 BC. In this reference Josephus gives an
account of
Daniel and his friends having their names changed by the king. This reference from Josephus correlates with what we find in
the book of Daniel.
3. Josephus also makes reference to the book of Daniel as being complete and already accepted during the time period of
Alexander the Great who was born in 356 BC.
4. Daniel is mentioned in the book of Ezekiel which is dated the 6th century BC.
5. Jesus called Daniel a prophet and made a reference to what is written in the book of Daniel. The Apostle Paul also makes a
reference to what is revealed in the book of Daniel.
6. There are reference works that accept the dating of Daniel as 6th century BC as well as the genuineness of the book itself.
Two references were given (a) Webster's Family Encyclopedia (b) Easton's Bible Dictionary
7. The linguistic character of the book is as might be expected. Certain portions
(Dan. 2:4; 7) are written in the Chaldee language; and the portions written in Hebrew are in a style and form having a close
affinity with the later books of the Old Testament, especially with that of Ezra.
8. That Daniel is the writer of this book is also testified to in the book itself (7:1-2, 28; 8:2; 15; 27, 9:2; 10:1, 2; 7 12:4, 5).
Daniel did indeed live in the 6th century BC. His predictions concerning the Medes and the Persians taking over Babylon
followed by the Greeks conquering the Medes and the Persians are remarkable. These predictions only scratch the surface of
the predictions in the book of Daniel. Nostradamus and Jean Dixon together could not match the detail or accuracy as found in
the book of Daniel. How is this possible? It is because as Daniel says " there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries"
(Dan 2:28). Some of Daniel's prophecy is covered in Daniel part 2.
Interesting Quotes
Isa 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.
Isa 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, 'My purpose
will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure';
Time Magazine DEC. 30, 1974 "After more than two centuries of facing the heaviest scientific guns that could be brought to
bear, the bible has survived and perhaps better for the siege even on the critics own terms. Historical fact, the scriptures seem
more acceptable now than they did when the rationalist began the attack"
Sir Isaac Newton "to reject Daniel is to reject the Christian religion."
Major Christian Doctrines
Explained & Defended
Explained & Defended
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