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Concepts of Time in the Visions of Daniel

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Notions of Time in Deuterocanonical and Cognate Literature
This chapter is in the book Notions of Time in Deuterocanonical and Cognate Literature

Abstract

The visions in the book of Daniel (chapters 7-12) conceptualize “time” on different levels. Regarding a concept of time as a linear progression, the visions of Daniel refer first of all to the writers’ present perspective, the years of Antiochus IV (cf. Dan 8). Furthermore, the memory of the past comes into view, especially within the concept of a sequence of empires (cf. Dan 7 with chapter 2). Lastly, the future is also conceptualized, including judgment and salvation (cf. 12:1-3). Beyond a linear depiction of time, Daniel’s visions refer to a rather “qualitative” differentiation between the writers’ present and the hope for a future salvation. This concept of “qualitative time” can only be detected by a discussion of aspects of time and space.

Abstract

The visions in the book of Daniel (chapters 7-12) conceptualize “time” on different levels. Regarding a concept of time as a linear progression, the visions of Daniel refer first of all to the writers’ present perspective, the years of Antiochus IV (cf. Dan 8). Furthermore, the memory of the past comes into view, especially within the concept of a sequence of empires (cf. Dan 7 with chapter 2). Lastly, the future is also conceptualized, including judgment and salvation (cf. 12:1-3). Beyond a linear depiction of time, Daniel’s visions refer to a rather “qualitative” differentiation between the writers’ present and the hope for a future salvation. This concept of “qualitative time” can only be detected by a discussion of aspects of time and space.

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Acknowledgements V
  3. In Memory of Géza G. Xeravits (1971–2019) VII
  4. Table of Contents XI
  5. Notions and Concepts of Time: Introduction 1
  6. Part I: “Axial Ages:” The Construction of Time in Identity, History and Festivals
  7. Time is on My Side: Concepts of Time and Jewish Identity 19
  8. Ontologie im Mondlicht 43
  9. “All’s well that ends well” 67
  10. Time Factors in Early Rabbinic Religiosity 93
  11. Zeit-Begriffe und -Konzepte in historiographischen Texten des 1. Jhs. n. Chr. 111
  12. Biblische Zeit und christliche Historiographie 131
  13. References to Jewish Festivals in the LXX Book of Judith 149
  14. Ben Sira and the Sabbath 169
  15. Part II: Specific Constructions of Time in Deuterocanonical Literature
  16. Was tut Gott in der Nacht? 193
  17. Time and Jewish Identity in 2 Maccabees 211
  18. Kairos, Chronos und Aion im Buch der Weisheit 235
  19. Ideas of Time in the Diaspora Tale of Tobit: Tobit’s Incipit (1:1–2) as Case Study 285
  20. The “Shape of Time” in the Book of Tobit 295
  21. Does Time Conquer All Things (“aut tempus omnia vincit”)? 311
  22. Part III: Terms of Time and Space in the Book of Ben Sira
  23. Time and Change in the Book of Ben Sira 339
  24. The Notion of Time in Sir 18:19–26 369
  25. Aspects of Time in the Book of Ben Sira: אחרית 387
  26. Die Bedeutung von קץ im Buch Ben Sira 403
  27. Part IV: The Construction of Apocalyptic Time
  28. Deep Time, the Monstrous, and the Book of the Watchers in the Hellenistic Age 429
  29. Concepts of Time in the Visions of Daniel 453
  30. Zeitkonstruktion im 4. Esrabuch. Eine Skizze 473
  31. Contributors 485
  32. Index of Sources 489
  33. Index of Modern Authors 521
  34. Index of Subjects 529
https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110705454-021

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Acknowledgements V
  3. In Memory of Géza G. Xeravits (1971–2019) VII
  4. Table of Contents XI
  5. Notions and Concepts of Time: Introduction 1
  6. Part I: “Axial Ages:” The Construction of Time in Identity, History and Festivals
  7. Time is on My Side: Concepts of Time and Jewish Identity 19
  8. Ontologie im Mondlicht 43
  9. “All’s well that ends well” 67
  10. Time Factors in Early Rabbinic Religiosity 93
  11. Zeit-Begriffe und -Konzepte in historiographischen Texten des 1. Jhs. n. Chr. 111
  12. Biblische Zeit und christliche Historiographie 131
  13. References to Jewish Festivals in the LXX Book of Judith 149
  14. Ben Sira and the Sabbath 169
  15. Part II: Specific Constructions of Time in Deuterocanonical Literature
  16. Was tut Gott in der Nacht? 193
  17. Time and Jewish Identity in 2 Maccabees 211
  18. Kairos, Chronos und Aion im Buch der Weisheit 235
  19. Ideas of Time in the Diaspora Tale of Tobit: Tobit’s Incipit (1:1–2) as Case Study 285
  20. The “Shape of Time” in the Book of Tobit 295
  21. Does Time Conquer All Things (“aut tempus omnia vincit”)? 311
  22. Part III: Terms of Time and Space in the Book of Ben Sira
  23. Time and Change in the Book of Ben Sira 339
  24. The Notion of Time in Sir 18:19–26 369
  25. Aspects of Time in the Book of Ben Sira: אחרית 387
  26. Die Bedeutung von קץ im Buch Ben Sira 403
  27. Part IV: The Construction of Apocalyptic Time
  28. Deep Time, the Monstrous, and the Book of the Watchers in the Hellenistic Age 429
  29. Concepts of Time in the Visions of Daniel 453
  30. Zeitkonstruktion im 4. Esrabuch. Eine Skizze 473
  31. Contributors 485
  32. Index of Sources 489
  33. Index of Modern Authors 521
  34. Index of Subjects 529
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