Calculating the End: Inner-Danielic Chronological Developments

Abstract

Abstract The prediction of the end of the period of persecution is a pervasive topic throughout Daniel 7-12. The references to these events are spread out throughout the four apocalypses found in the second half of Daniel (7:25; 8:13-14; 9:27; 12:7,11-12), and their presence in all of these contexts emphasizes the importance of chronological aspects within the apocalyptic worldview of the authors of Daniel. The current study offers an original interpretation of the earliest of these sources (7:25), reflecting its apocalyptic context, and consequently a new assessment of the interrelationships of the various dates in the Danielic apocalypses. Furthermore, it will be suggested that a combination of interpretive, calendrical and historical insights regarding these chronological elements perhaps offers a key towards tracing the process of literary development of the apocalyptic section of Daniel as a whole.