The Concept of Canonical Intertextuality and the Book of Daniel

By Jordan M. Scheetz

An examination of the Masoretic Text of Daniel, using intertextuality and canon criticism to explore its interconnections with other sources.

ISBN: 9780227680209

Description

In The Concept of Canonical Intertextuality and the Book of Daniel, Jordan Scheetz attempts to solve the complex issues readers face in interpreting biblical text. The variety of voices and contexts that construct the Bible make interpretation a difficult task. Taking literary postconstructionist notions of intertextuality and various approaches to canon criticism in the field of biblical studies, Scheetz develops his concept of canonical intertextuality.

Scheetz applies this concept to the Masoretic Text of Daniel, which serves as an excellent testing ground through the multilingual nature of the text, the differing placement of the text in various biblical canons and through the clear quotation of Daniel’s text in a limited number of New Testament texts. Through this inductive study, Scheetz concludes that the Masoretic Text of Daniel is at the same time one text and many texts.

The result is a unique theory of canonical intertextuality that can be applied to many other biblical texts. The reader is made aware of the dialogue between different texts in the Bible and the multifaceted meaning of words when placed in distinctive biblical contexts.

Additional information

Dimensions 229 × 153 mm
Pages 184
Format

Trade Information JPOD

About the Author

Jordan M. Scheetz is Chair of Biblical and Exegetical Studies, and Associate Professor of Old Testament Languages and Literature at Tyndale Theological Seminary in the Netherlands.

Contents

Preface
Abbreviations

1. Intertextuality, Canon Criticism, and Biblical Studies
2. Three Approaches to the Interpretation of Daniel
3. Canonical Intertextuality: Daniel 1-6
4. Canonical Intertextuality: Daniel 7-12
5. Canonical Intertextuality and the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament
6. Canonical Intertextuality and the Book of Daniel
in the New Testament

Bibliography
Author Index
Biblical and Ancient Text Index

Extracts

Endorsements and Reviews

What Jordan Scheetz offers in this book is not only a fresh and insightful contribution to studies on Daniel, but also another step forward in the emerging field of intertextuality in the biblical canon. Clear in its presentation, compelling in its argument, careful in its exegesis, it is a model for current scholarly writing.
Ray Lubek

Scheetz’s study brings a provocative perspective to the study of Daniel and opens significant avenues for rethinking the sometimes jarring juxtaposition of narrative and prophecy in the book.
Nathan J. Chambers, in Theological Book Review, Vol 24, No 2

This is a book that makes an important contribution to the study of the Old Testament for mainly two reasons: it breaks new ground in the interpretation of the biblical book of Daniel; and it does so by redefining the importance of the canon as a context for understanding biblical texts. … The book offers an enjoyable and cohesive overview of theories of intertextuality and the interpretation of the book of Daniel from the perspective of a canon of authoritative texts. … wholeheartedly recommended for all who are interested in intertextuality, canon criticism, and the interpretation of the book of Daniel.
Phillippus J. Botha, in Review of Biblical Literature, March 2013

… offers much that is helpful for understanding the overall literary structure of Daniel, especially the complex character of its interlocking literary relations and themes. … the book is well worth reading for its insights into the literary structure and intertextual relations within Daniel
Don Collett, in Review of Biblical Literature, March 2013

Scheetz’s book is a substantive contribution to discussions regarding intertextuality in the Bible and canonical criticism.
Daniel R. Watson, in Journal for the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament, Vol 2.1

The last two chapters look interestingly at Daniel’s relationship with some other Old Testament texts and consider the quotations from Daniel in the New Testament.
John Goldingay, in The Expository Times, Vol 124, No 11

This book presents an interesting thesis which is worthy of study by all biblical scholars, not just those interested in the Book of Daniel … It has interesting possibilities for understanding how the New Testament writers use the Old Testament.
Ernest C. Lucas, in Evangelical Quarterly, Vol 86, No 2