Discovery BoxDaniel 7:4
Context7:4 “The first one was like a lion with eagles’ wings. As I watched, its wings were pulled off and it was lifted up from the ground. It was made to stand on two feet like a human being, and a human mind 1 was given to it. 2
Daniel 7:20
Context7:20 I also wanted to know 3 the meaning of the ten horns on its head, and of that other horn which came up and before which three others fell. This was the horn that had eyes 4 and a mouth speaking arrogant things, whose appearance was more formidable than the others. 5
Daniel 9:18
Context9:18 Listen attentively, 6 my God, and hear! Open your eyes and look on our desolated ruins 7 and the city called by your name. 8 For it is not because of our own righteous deeds that we are praying to you, 9 but because your compassion is abundant.
[7:4] 1 tn Aram “heart of a man.”
[7:4] 2 sn The identity of the first animal, derived from v. 17 and the parallels in chap. 2, is Babylon. The reference to the plucking of its wings is probably a reference to the time of Nebuchadnezzar’s insanity (cf. chap. 4). The latter part of v. 4 then describes the restoration of Nebuchadnezzar. The other animals have traditionally been understood to represent respectively Media-Persia, Greece, and Rome, although most of modern scholarship identifies them as Media, Persia, and Greece. For a biblical parallel to the mention of lion, bear, and leopard together, see Hos 13:7-8.
[7:20] 3 tn The words “I also wanted to know” are added in the translation for stylistic reasons.
[7:20] 4 tc The conjunction in the MT before “eyes” is odd. The ancient versions do not seem to presuppose it.
[7:20] 5 tn Aram “greater than its companions.”
[9:18] 5 tn Heb “turn your ear.”
[9:18] 6 tn Heb “desolations.” The term refers here to the ruined condition of Judah’s towns.
[9:18] 7 tn Heb “over which your name is called.” Cf. v. 19. This expression implies that God is the owner of his city, Jerusalem. Note the use of the idiom in 2 Sam 12:28; Isa 4:1; Amos 9:12.
