Minor Prophets

Abstract

Jewish apocalyptic writings tend to see politics as a wild jungle in which kings and empire builders are beasts and monsters. Accordingly, this study is a zoological mapping of Dan 7:1-28. In this passage, there is a lion with eagle wings, a bear devouring its prey, a leopard, and an unnamed beast with fearsome teeth and horns. Each of these creatures represents a powerful empire that does not care about human rights, freedom, or love. Who can defeat these monsters? Yhwh alone is the “Animal Tamer” who rules over this apocalyptic jungle. See also A. Rillera, “A Call to Resistance: The Exhortative Function of Daniel 7,” JBL 138 (4, 2019) 757-76; and G. Beasley-Murray, “The Interpretation of Daniel 7,” CBQ 45 (1983) 44-58.—F.W.G.