Abstract

DE BRUYN, Joseph J.. Daniel Dragonslayer - Bel and the dragon, Verses 23-27 (OG/Th). In Skriflig (Online) [online]. 2015, vol.49, n.1, pp.1-8. ISSN 2305-0853.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ids.v49i1.1848.

In this article, aspects of narrative critique, genre, editorial critique, the body and space are uniquely combined into a body-space framework. This spatial framework is used to examine the second episode of 'Bel and the Dragon', called 'Daniel Dragonslayer'. It is postulated that the second episode of 'Bel and the Dragon' should be read in a reciprocal relationship with not only 'Bel and the Dragon', but also the larger Book of Daniel. Firstly, such an analysis indicates that the smaller episode is part of a larger clash of deities. Secondly, it shows that the editor / author utilises the episode to create a new cosmology. In this new cosmology, the Jewish deity is an almighty one, whilst other deities are seen as false and not real living gods. In his own way, the editor or author contributes to the way in which Jews regarded their God within the reality of the diaspora.

        · abstract in Afrikaans     · text in English     · English ( pdf )