Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 65:2 (Jun 2022)
Article: Ancient Near Eastern Context And Theological Interpretation Of Scripture: An Exploration In Daniel 7:1–14
Author: Cory Barnes

JETS 65:2 (June 2022) p. 307

Ancient Near Eastern Context And Theological Interpretation Of Scripture: An Exploration In Daniel 7:1–14

Cory Barnes*

^* Cory Barnes is Associate Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 3939 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70126. He may be contacted at [email protected].

Abstract: This study argues that understanding the ANE cognitive environment contributes to TIS readings of OT texts. While there are numerous definitions of and approaches to TIS, a review of recent literature on the discipline finds a broad consensus that TIS readings affirm Scripture as the revelation of the Triune God to his people. Because the Triune God revealed himself in an ANE context, understanding that context increases our understanding of God’s self-revelation. The present study demonstrates the value of such an approach by undertaking a TIS reading of Daniel 7:1–14 with attention to its ANE context, revealing theological facets of the text that would be missed if the ANE context were not considered. Additionally, the research demonstrates that TIS and historical-cultural methodologies do not have to be at odds. Readings that consider both methodologies avoid both ignoring the historical meaning of the text and denying that the primary purpose of Scripture is to convey theological meaning.

Key words: theological interpretation of Scripture, regula fide, Trinitarian hermeneutics, Daniel, ancient Near East, Enuma Elish

Historical-critical scholarship recognizes the ancient Near Eastern context of the OT as essential for determining the meaning of the OT texts.1 The role of the ANE context in theological readings of the OT is less clear. In his recent work Old Testament Theology for Christians, John Walton develops a methodology that privileges the ANE background of the OT in doing OT theology. Walton argues that ANE context is essential for the task, in part because OT theology “must be approached independently from NT theology.”2 Walton stands in line with a prominent tradition that stretches back (at least) to Johann Gabler’s 1787 lecture on the need for separate dogmatic and “biblical” theologies.3

JETS 65:2 (June 2022) p. 308

The methodology Walton proposes for OT theology stands apart from readings that align with theological interpretation of Scripture (TIS) and sees the OT and NT as part of a coherent whole.4 The ANE cognitiv...