November 30

The final day of November. We have completed 11/12 of the Bible. I have learned so much. I hope you have as well.

OT -- Daniel 7
This starts the apocalyptic part of Daniel. Apocalytic literature is characterized by massive imagery, cryptic puzzles and underlying messages, and fanciful beasts that represent various things.
In this case, here is what Rashi has to say about our beasts today:
"resembling a bear: This represents the kingdom of Persia, which will reign after Babylon, who eats and drinks like a bear and is enwrapped in flesh like a bear.
resembling a bear: It is spelled לְדֹב [without a “vav,”] like דִיבָא, the Aramaic for זְאֵב, a wolf, for the kingdom of Persia was also called a wolf, as it is said: (Jer. 5:6): “Therefore a lion smote them, a wolf of the deserts spoils them.”
and it stood to one side: and it stood to one side, indicating that when the kingdom of Babylon terminates, Persia will wait one year, when Media will reign.
and there were three ribs in its mouth: Aram. וּתְלָת עִלָעִין בְּפֻמַּהּ, three ribs. Our Sages explained that three provinces were constantly rebelling against it [i.e., Persia] and making peace with it; sometimes it would swallow them and sometimes spit them out. That is the meaning of “in its mouth between its teeth,” sometimes outside its teeth, sometimes inside (Kid. 72a), but I say that the three עִלָעִין are three kings who will rise from Persia: Cyrus, Ahasuerus, and Darius who built the Temple."
"four wings… four heads: They are the four rulers to whom Alexander of Macedon allotted his kingdom at his death, as is written in the book of Joseph ben Gurion (Book 3, ch. 14), for this third beast is the kingdom of Antiochus, and it is called נָמֵר because it issued decrees upon Israel [which were] spotted (מְנֻמָּרוֹת) and varied one from the other."
This is why most scholars think that the book of Daniel was not written until the 160 BCE during the time of the Maccabees.
Also, apocalytic literature was very prevalent in the 2nd century BCE and almost non-existant in the time of Daniel.
Which brings me to the point of why Daniel was written at all.
Daniel is a book of steadfastness. Clearly, the character of Daniel is a real hero. A vital and active man who had many, many stories told about him. Ezekiel references him. Yes, that question was answered. A true head honcho in the Babylonian and then the Persian empires.
Unlike other heroes in Bibleland (think Samson, Gideon), Daniel doesn't question. Daniel doesn't swerve. He stays true to God, doesn't ask for signs or special treatment (keep your gifts, Belshazzar!)and God is praised.
Imagine if you were in Jerusalem 170 BCE and dealing with the whole Antiochus Epiphany IV mess. He butchered pigs on the altar of the rebuilt temple! Circumcised men were not allowed to participate in civic life.
You need a hero. One who has been under duress and still kept the faith. Hence the book of Daniel.

Proverbs 28:23-24
He who robs his father or mother and says 'it is not wrong' -- he is partner to him who destroys.

Some proverbs hit closer to home than other. I grew up with someone who stole from his parents. This is an awful tragedy in a home.

Grace and peace to each of you.