Q248 : The Book of Daniel and the Old Testament

Charles,

My Bible study class is studying the book of Daniel. I have read your article The Date and Authorship of the Book of Daniel^a as well as other people's writings on Daniel.

Regarding:

This is the end of the matter. I, Daniel, was deeply troubled by my thoughts, and my face turned pale, but I kept the matter to myself. (Dan. 7:28, NIV)

I am trying to determine when Daniel no longer "kept the matter to myself". When did the Jewish people with Daniel in captivity learn what God had revealed to Daniel?

To me it is important to know when Daniel revealed his visions since he predicted things that were a few years later as well as the end of time.

Thank you for all you do.

A248 : by Charles Ray

If I understand your question properly, you are basically asking when the book of Daniel was placed in the Canon. To be honest, I don't know that a certain answer can be given.

The formation of the OT Canon is mostly a mystery, but it seems most books were accepted as Scripture soon after being written. If I had to guess, I would say the book of Daniel "went public" in the early 400s BC. That would allow the fulfillment of the predictions given to Daniel to be seen for anyone alive at that time.

I hope that helps to answer your question.

I pray God's blessings on your Bible study.

Yours in Christ, Charles Ray

[Additional information regarding the date of the book of Daniel can be found within the Daniel Commentary^a and companion audio course^b by Tony Garland. — Ed.]