For example, they claim that since Daniel used Greek words, his book must have been written during the later, deeply Hellenistic time period in Judea. The skeptics use several arguments to make their point. Critics say the book was written during the second century b.c.e., after many of the prophecies had come to pass. How can we know which is true?īible believers accept that Daniel wrote during the sixth century b.c.e., as described in the text. So the crucial question is: On which side of those events was Daniel written? This book is either powerful proof of divine revelation, or it is an outright fake. Many events in this book are powerfully corroborated by ancient texts and archaeological evidence. To the critics, it is impossible that such incredibly accurate prophecies could have been made in advance.Īmid this debate, one thing is certain: The historical events documented in the book of Daniel occurred. They say it was written after the fulfillment of its many “prophecies” and that it is simply a clever retelling of history.
Critics, however, dismiss this book entirely. This book purports to forecast multiple world-shaking events, including the emergence of specific kings and the rise and fall of empires.īecause of its prophetic nature, many believers consider the book of Daniel evidence that a divine Being inspired the Bible. The book of Daniel is probably the key book in the debate about the authenticity of the Bible. From the November 2019 Watch Jerusalem Print Edition