Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: "Bel and the Dragon" is an apocryphal addition to the Book of Daniel, found in the deuterocanonical texts. It is included in the Septuagint and the Vulgate but is not part of the Hebrew Bible. This narrative is often divided into two distinct accounts that highlight the folly of idolatry and the supremacy of the God of Israel. Historical Context: The account is set during the Babylonian exile, a period when the Israelites were living under foreign rule and were exposed to various forms of idol worship. The narrative serves as a polemic against the worship of false gods, a recurring theme in the Hebrew Scriptures. The text is believed to have been composed in the late Second Temple period, reflecting the Jewish community's struggles against syncretism and idolatry. The Story of Bel: The first part of the narrative deals with the Babylonian god Bel, whom the Babylonians worship with daily offerings. King Cyrus of Persia, who is depicted as a ruler over Babylon, challenges Daniel to prove that Bel is not a living god. Daniel, a devout follower of the God of Israel, exposes the deceit of the priests of Bel. He demonstrates that the offerings are consumed not by the idol but by the priests and their families, who enter the temple through a secret entrance. This revelation leads to the destruction of the idol and the temple, affirming the futility of idol worship. The Story of the Dragon: The second part of the narrative involves a living dragon that the Babylonians also worship. The king challenges Daniel to prove that the dragon is not a god. Daniel concocts a mixture of pitch, fat, and hair, which he feeds to the dragon, causing it to burst open. This miraculous event further discredits the worship of false gods and underscores the power of the God of Israel. Theological Themes: 1. Monotheism: The narrative reinforces the belief in the one true God, who is living and active, in contrast to lifeless idols. This theme is consistent with the broader biblical message found in passages such as Isaiah 44:9-20, which ridicules the making and worship of idols. 2. Divine Wisdom and Power: Daniel's wisdom and faith in God are central to the account. His ability to expose the falsehood of idol worship demonstrates the superiority of divine wisdom over human deception. This echoes the biblical portrayal of Daniel as a wise and faithful servant of God, as seen in the canonical Book of Daniel. 3. Judgment Against Idolatry: The destruction of the idols and the punishment of the deceitful priests serve as a warning against idolatry. The narrative aligns with the biblical theme of God's judgment against those who turn away from Him to worship false gods, as seen in passages like Jeremiah 10:10-15. Canonical Status: "Bel and the Dragon" is considered apocryphal by Protestant traditions and is not included in the Hebrew Bible. However, it is part of the deuterocanonical books recognized by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Its exclusion from the Protestant canon is based on the lack of Hebrew manuscripts and its absence from the Jewish Tanakh. Literary Style: The narrative is written in a style consistent with other apocryphal additions to Daniel, such as the "Prayer of Azariah" and "Susanna." It employs a didactic approach, using dramatic and miraculous events to convey theological truths. The story's vivid imagery and clear moral lessons make it an effective tool for teaching about the dangers of idolatry and the power of faith in the true God. Conclusion: While not part of the canonical Scriptures for all Christian traditions, "Bel and the Dragon" offers valuable insights into the Jewish understanding of idolatry and the steadfastness of faith. It serves as a testament to the enduring message of God's sovereignty and the futility of worshiping anything other than the Creator. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Bel and the DragonBEL AND THE DRAGON See DANIEL, BOOK OF, sec. X. Library Integrity and State of the Text. Religious and Social State. "Example of Life and Instruction of Manners. " Early Christian Literature and Art Authorship. Authorship. Title and Position. Canonicity. Title and Position. Chronology. Resources What is the book of Susanna? | GotQuestions.orgApocrypha and Pseudepigrapha ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Why did Nebuchadnezzar change Daniel's name to Belteshazzar? | GotQuestions.org Bel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |