| Linguistically
some of the most apparently difficult passages in scripture occur in Dn.
8:9-14. The text abounds with linguistic and contextual nuances. For
example: 1) The gender of the verbal subjects and pronouns referring to
the “horn from littleness” in verse 9 oscillates from masculine to
feminine in verses 9-12; 2) Does the “daily” refer to an earthly power
or an activity? 3) What is the self-consistent relationship of the “daily”
in Dn. 8:11, 13; 11:31 and 12:11? 4) What is the significance of Daniel’s
use of the Hebrew verbal root rûm for the action imposed on the
“daily” in 8:11 in contrast with the Hebrew root sûr in 11:31
and 12:11? 5) What is the significance of Daniel’s use of two different
Hebrew words, miqdash in 8:11 & 11:31 and qodesh in 8:13
& 14, translated as sanctuary? 6) Does the use of makon for “place”
in 8:11 instead of maqom have textual significance? 7) Is there a
self-consistent application of the Hebrew participle shomem
(desolating) in 8:13; 9:26-27; 11:31 and 12:11? 8) What is the
significance of the Hebrew cultic language used in Dn. 8:9-14? An
examination of these questions among other issues will help to shed light
on the interpretation of the “daily” (hattamid) in Daniel.
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TRANSLATION OF DANIEL 8:9-14 |