A Study of the Hebrew and Aramaic clauses alluding to temple defilement in Daniel

Abstract

This dissertation is a study undertaken to explore 44 selected Hebrew and Aramaic clauses that allude to temple defilement in the book of Daniel. Chapter 1 is introductory. Chapter 2 is focused on the exegesis of the selected clauses alluding to temple defilement in the book of Daniel. The analysis showed that the clauses convey distinctive syntagmatic nuances and provide a textual-linguistic phenomenon through defined linguistic-literary structures that allude to temple defilement. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that temple defilement is characterized by 5 distinct categories in the book of Daniel that include (a) holy city, (b) moral violation, (c) earthly cultic ritual defilement, (d) cosmic cultic ritual defilement, and (e) defilement through symbolism. It had been found that 3 agents are responsible for the earthly and cosmic temple defilement in the book of Daniel: (a) God’s people, (b) Babylon, and

(c) the papacy. The analysis also made it apparent that the earthly or cosmic temple is defiled in 5 modes that parallel the temple defilement categories. Moreover, temple defilement is a depiction of the cosmic conflict between God and evil. Regarding temple defilement reversal, the analysis revealed the earthly or cosmic temple defilement reversal in 4 ways: (a) YHWH’s word, (b) YHWH’s response to prayer, (c) dedication of the heavenly sanctuary which begins with the anointing of the Messiah, and (d) cleansing of the cosmic sanctuary. The cleansing of the cosmic sanctuary declares that YHWH has made a provision to reverse its defilement. The figurative cosmic temple defilement caused by the papacy (little horn) is reversed and the sanctuary’s state of holiness is restored. The exploration also revealed the cosmic sanctuary as YHWH’s throne and place of divine judgment from where He rules the universe. The cosmic sanctuary declares YHWH’s justice, righteousness, and mercy. Also, the cosmic sanctuary cleansing is antitypical to the earthly sanctuary Day of Atonement. The repentant sinner receives pardon for sin through the merit of Christ’s sacrifice and priestly ministry. Chapter 3 is a presentation of some theological implications from the above analysis regarding temple defilement. The implications include (a) divine judgment, (b) holiness, (c) the people of God, (d) eschatology, and (e) cosmic conflict. Chapter 4 is the summary and conclusion of the study. The analysis of the Hebrew and Aramaic clauses provided a theological base that contributes to the theology of the book of Daniel.