
Additions to Daniel
The History of Susanna
Dating
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Setting: Babylon during the exile, focusing on the Hebrew community
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Reference point: Addition to Daniel (chapter 13 in Catholic/Orthodox Bibles)
Signifcance
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Demonstrates Torah-based justice
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Shows importance of witness examination
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Emphasizes wisdom through Torah
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Highlights righteous character under trial
Discovery
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Found in Greek Septuagint
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Part of Daniel additions
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Present in Theodotian's version
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Preserved in Old Latin translations
Transmission
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Through Greek-speaking diaspora
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Via early believing communities
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Included in Catholic/Orthodox canons
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Preserved in various church traditions
Language / Translation
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Original language debated (Greek or Hebrew)
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Main text in Greek
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Word plays suggest Greek original
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Translated into multiple languages
Genre
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Wisdom narrative
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Legal drama
Content
The text presents the story of Susanna, a righteous woman falsely accused of adultery by two corrupt elders. Through the wisdom of young Daniel, who separately interrogates the witnesses and exposes their false testimony, justice prevails. The narrative emphasizes how proper application of Torah principles leads to truth and justice.
Commentary
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Additions to Daniel
Bel and the Dragon
Dating
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Setting: Babylon during Daniel's time, depicting his exposure of false idols and pagan worship
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Reference point: Written as an addition to the Book of Daniel (chapter 14 in Catholic/Orthodox Bibles)
Signifcance
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Demonstrates folly of idolatry
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Shows wisdom of Torah-based faith
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Emphasizes YHWH as living Elohim
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Illustrates divine protection
Discovery
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Found in Greek Septuagint
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Part of Daniel additions
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Present in Theodotian's version
-
Original Hebrew/Aramaic text lost
-
Preserved in Old Latin translations
Transmission
-
Through Greek-speaking diaspora
-
Via early believing communities
-
Included in Catholic/Orthodox canons
-
Preserved in church traditions
Language / Translation
-
Original language debated (Greek or Aramaic)
-
Main text in Greek
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Two Greek versions exist
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Theodotian's version most common
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Jerome's Vulgate includes it
Genre
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Apologetic narrative
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Wisdom tale
Content
The text presents the story of Susanna, a righteous woman falsely accused of adultery by two corrupt elders. Through the wisdom of young Daniel, who separately interrogates the witnesses and exposes their false testimony, justice prevails. The narrative emphasizes how proper application of Torah principles leads to truth and justice.
Commentary
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