“All Manner of Music:” The Author of Daniel 3 as Master Storyteller
H. A. Hopgood
H. A. Hopgood is a scholar of the biblical languages and a Professor of Greek and New Testament Theology at Andersonville Theological Seminary in Camilla, GA
Abstract: Amidst the exciting narratives of the book of Daniel, chapter 3 contains extra elements of drama, displaying the best in historic narratives. The author’s techniques are some of the most basic among a storyteller’s methods: a well-structured plot, good form, poetic expression, and memorable characters. His use of these simple (though not necessarily easy) methods to craft the narrative of this event distinguishes him as a great teacher and a master of literary art. By creating a compelling account from the perspective of a chronicler, the author achieved a two-fold end: 1) to preserve the history of those Jewish leaders that remained faithful to their God during the Babylonian captivity and 2) to reveal to Jew and Gentile alike the nature of God and his care for his faithful servants.[1]
Keywords: Daniel, three Hebrew children, fiery furnace, Nebuchadnezzar, storytelling
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[1] Martin Luther, “Preface to Daniel,” in Interpretation of Scripture, ed. Euan K. Cameron (Minneapolis: Fortress, 2017), 386; also J. N. Schofield, Law, Prophets, and Writings: The Religion of the Books of the Old Testament (London: SPCK, 1969), 341–42.
