Discourse Theme and the Narratives of Daniel -- By: Les P. Bruce
Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 160:638 (Apr 2003)
Article: Discourse Theme and the Narratives of Daniel
Author: Les P. Bruce
BSac 160:638 (Apr 03) p. 174
Discourse Theme and the Narratives of Daniel
The Old Testament book traditionally attributed to the prophet Daniel has been the subject of considerable debate. One issue is the unity of the text. Having surveyed the various positions of scholars for and against the unity of the text, Rowley argued for the unity of Daniel.1 Those scholars who argue against the book’s unity differ in detail as to where to divide the book and which words and sentences to ascribe to editors.
The obvious differences in the text have given rise to these divisive theories. The first six chapters are narrative in genre; the last six are reports and interpretations of visions. Daniel 2:4b–7:28 is composed in Aramaic; the other portions are in Hebrew. Much of the discussion has centered on chapters 2 and 7 because of the similar prophetic interpretation of the two different visions and because of the transitional nature of chapter. Chapter 7 is composed in Aramaic like most of the narrative section, but is not itself narrative; instead it is of the same genre as the latter part of the discourse. The language and genre differences in the text are notable, but they do not coincide with a clear point of division.
The purpose of this study is to present current linguistic perspectives on discourse cohesion and theme as it relates to biblical exegesis. Specifically the study presents a procedure for identifying the theme of a discourse, applying it to the Book of Daniel, thereby addressing the question of the unity of the text. This article examines the narrative episodes of Daniel from the point of view of the discourse structure of the book as a whole. The historical sections and their relationship to the theme of the book as a whole indicate that they are included in the discourse in order to illustrate
BSac 160:638 (Apr 03) p. 175
the main point that the author wanted to impress on his readers. The narratives in Daniel support his theme by relating six events that share similar dynamics and conclusions. The conclusions provide concrete examples of what is propositionally stated as a significant theme in the discourse, that is, only God is truly sovereign and He will establish His eternal kingdom. When the narrative section is seen in the light of this theme, the narratives form a naturally coherent part of the whole discourse.
Theme
This section discusses the linguistic notion of discourse them...
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