Resurrection in Daniel 12 and its Contribution to the Theology of the Book of Daniel
This study attempted to investigate the resurrection passages of Dan 12. The main concern was to discover the nature, scope, timing, and purpose of the resurrection in Dan 12:2 and 12:13, to establish the relationship between these two passages, and to determine the contribution of the resurrection of Dan 12 to the theology of the book of Daniel. Chapter 1 offers a review of literature that presents the different and often conflicting opinions regarding the kind, extent, timing, and function of the resurrection in Dan 12. Chapter 2 provides an exegetical study of the two resurrection passages in Dan 12 and determines their relationship insofar as they respond to the"what," "when," "who," and "why" of the resurrection. Chapter 3 investigates the relationship of the resurrection passages to other passages of the book of Daniel and explores the contribution of the resurrection theme of Dan 12 to the major theological themes of the book of Daniel. Finally, a summary, conclusions, and implications bring together the major findings of this research. Based on the evidence submitted in this dissertation, it is concluded that both resurrection texts in Dan 12 refer to a physical resurrection. However they refer to two different events. Dan 12:2 speaks of a partial resurrection at the end of time, while Dan 12:13 refers to the general resurrection at the end of the days, namely when the Kingdom of God will consume all the earthly kingdoms. The theological study of the resurrection revealed that the resurrection passages are related to other passages of the book of Daniel and that they play an important role in the theology of the book of Daniel. It became evident that resurrection has a multifunctional purpose, the most significant of which seems to be the demonstration of God's power, sovereignty, and glory, His rulership over history, and His Lordship over life and death. The presence of the motifs of death, resurrection, retribution, eternal life, and judgment in the resurrection passages and their connection and considerable contribution to such major theological themes as the power and absolute sovereignty ofGod, the Kingdom of God, judgment, creation, and theology of history- -all seem to support the suggestion that resurrection is indeed the theological climax of the book of Daniel.
Biblical Studies, Religion, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion
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