Using the book of Daniel in the Gospel of Mark, write a paper explaining what New Testament interpretation tells us about theological application.

Using the book of Daniel in the Gospel of Mark, evaluate what New Testament interpretation tells us about theological application. Read Daniel 9:20–27 and Daniel 11:29–35 paying particular attention to the use of the term “abomination.” What initial observations do you have about this “abomination?” This section should be 1 paragraph. No additional sources necessary. Next read the following short dictionary entries by David Wenham and Craig Keener. What do scholars think this term refers to in its original context? This section should be 2 paragraphs. Please cite your sources. Read Mark 13:1–19 (paying attention to v. 14). What are your initial observations with the appearance of “abomination” in Mark 13? How is Daniel’s context being used? This section should be 1-2 paragraphs. Conclusion. Now that you have read and evaluated Daniel 9 and 11 in context as well as Mark 13 in context, consider how Jesus in the Gospel of Mark utilizes the book of Daniel. You might also consider other places in Mark in which the book of Daniel is referenced. See also Mark 13:26 and Mark 14:62. Instructions: Cover Page Containing: Title of Paper, Your Name, Course Number and Name, Professor’s Name, and Date. Length: 2-3 pages double-spaced, excluding the cover and reference pages. First section: 2 paragraphs. Read Daniel 9:20–27 and Daniel 11:29–35 paying particular attention to the use of the term “abomination.” What initial observations do you have about this “abomination?” Second Section: 2-3 paragraphs. Summarize the short dictionary entries by David Wenham and Craig Keener. What do scholars think the term “abomination” refers to in its original context? Third Section: 1-2 paragraphs. Utilizing the suggested books hyperlinked in the assignment description, consider: How do these authors answer your research question? Conclusion: 1-2 paragraphs. Now that you have read and evaluated Daniel 9 and 11 in context as well as Mark 13 in context, address how Jesus in the Gospel of Mark utilizes the book of Daniel. You might also include other places in Mark in which the book of Daniel is referenced. See also Mark 13:26 and Mark 14:62.

Answer & Explanation

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The book of Daniel in the Old Testament is an apocalyptic work that contains vivid imagery, prophetic visions, and messages of hope and encouragement for the faithful. The Gospel of Mark, written in the first century AD, draws on several themes and motifs from the book of Daniel, suggesting that the New Testament authors saw a theological application in Daniel’s message for their own time and context.

One example of this can be found in Mark 13, where Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the end of the age. He uses language that echoes Daniel’s vision of the “abomination of desolation” (Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11), which refers to the desecration of the temple by a foreign power. In Mark’s gospel, Jesus warns his disciples to be alert and watchful, just as Daniel was in his own time, for the coming of the Son of Man (Mark 13:26-27).

This connection between Daniel’s vision and Jesus’ teaching suggests

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Step-by-step explanation

that the New Testament authors saw a continuity between the message of the Old Testament prophets and the message of Jesus. The events that Daniel foretold were seen as a prefiguration of the events that Jesus himself would experience, such as his death, resurrection, and eventual return in glory. Through this lens, the message of Daniel becomes not just a historical record of ancient events, but a prophetic vision of God’s ongoing plan for salvation.

Another example of this can be found in Mark 2, where Jesus heals a paralyzed man and forgives his sins. The scribes and Pharisees are scandalized by this act, seeing it as a violation of God’s law. In response, Jesus tells them that “the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mark 2:10), using language that echoes the figure of the “one like a son of man” in Daniel’s vision (Dan. 7:13-14).

By identifying himself with the figure of the “one like a son of man,” Jesus is claiming a divine authority that transcends the limitations of human knowledge and understanding. He is also suggesting that the message of Daniel is not just a historical record of past events, but a prophetic vision of the future reign of God. Through his actions and teachings, Jesus is bringing about the fulfillment of this vision in his own time and context.

These examples demonstrate how the New Testament authors used the book of Daniel to provide a theological application for their own time and context. They saw in Daniel’s prophetic vision a continuity with the message of Jesus, and they used this connection to interpret and apply the message of Daniel to their own circumstances. This approach to interpretation reflects a broader theological principle, namely that God’s message to humanity is not limited by time, place, or historical context, but is always relevant and applicable to the needs of the faithful.

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