Interpretations of Daniel 12:1 and perceptions of the Christian ‘Other’

Abstract

This paper analyses perceptions of the Christian ‘other’ in rabbinic and apocalyptic traditions in the period from Constantine to the emergence of Islam. The focus is on the reception of Daniel and particularly on traditions that utilise interpretations of Dan 12:1. The essay asks to what extent these traditions present reflections on Christian rule, and/or perceptions of Christian beliefs. The article examines traditions found in Ruth Rabbah, Pirqe Mashiaḥ and Otot ha-Mashiaḥ, which all utilise Dan 12:1 to outline concepts of Israel’s history in terms of religious status and election in relation to the ‘other’, and in different ways reveal perspectives on Christian Byzantine society in Late Antiquity. The different emphases of the exegetical traditions reflect historical change, especially with regard to the changing religio-political circumstances of the seventh century and an environment of increasing religious competition. In this way, one aspect of the reception of the Book of Daniel is explored to highlight an approach to Jewish-Christian relations after Constantine.