A Biblical Theology of The Additions to Daniel
1. The Setting of the Additions to Daniel
The biblical theology of the Additions to Daniel begins with the Greek version of the book, which expands and supplements the Hebrew-Aramaic text. These additions consist of two independent tales—Susanna and Bel and the Dragon—and two liturgical insertions in Daniel 3: the Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Young Men.
Although no Hebrew or Aramaic manuscript of Daniel includes these additions, linguistic evidence suggests that at least the prayers were originally composed in Hebrew. The Greek translation incorporated them, probably in the second century BC, and they became part of the Septuagint’s version of Daniel. Early Christians valued them highly for their teaching on faithfulness, repentance, prayer, and resistance to idolatry.
The biblical theology of the Additions to Daniel therefore highlights not only the lives of exemplary figures but also the worship of God in the midst of trial.
2. Susanna and the Model of Covenant Faithfulness
The story of Susanna presents a righteous woman falsely accused by corrupt elders. When pressured to compromise, she chooses to entrust herself to God, even at the cost of her life. Her prayer, “I am hemmed in on every side,” echoes the laments of the Psalms (Psalm 31:9–10) and models faithfulness under persecution.
Daniel’s intervention and vindication of Susanna reinforce the theme that God defends His people when they remain steadfast. In the biblical theology of the Additions to Daniel, Susanna becomes a type of the faithful community, often read by Christians as a figure of the church surrounded by false accusers.
This anticipates the New Testament teaching that the church will face opposition but must remain faithful, trusting that Christ, the righteous judge, will vindicate His people (2 Timothy 4:8). Susanna therefore contributes to the theology of endurance and integrity within God’s covenant.
3. Bel, the Dragon, and the Folly of Idolatry
The tales of Bel and the Dragon further enrich the biblical theology of the Additions to Daniel. In these stories, Daniel exposes the emptiness of Babylonian religion. He demonstrates that Bel’s supposed offerings are consumed secretly by priests and that the revered dragon is only a mortal creature.
These accounts echo the polemics of Isaiah against idols: “They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see” (Psalm 115:5). By ridiculing idols, the stories emphasize that only the Lord is the living God.
For Christians, these accounts point forward to the Gospel’s call to turn from idols to serve the living God (1 Thessalonians 1:9–10). They also connect with Revelation, where the beast and the dragon symbolize worldly powers opposed to Christ (Revelation 13:4). The biblical theology of the Additions to Daniel thus underscores the futility of false worship and the call to exclusive loyalty to God.
4. The Prayer of Azariah: Confession and Hope
Inserted into the fiery furnace episode, the Prayer of Azariah offers a theology of repentance and intercession. Azariah confesses the sins of the people, acknowledges God’s justice, and appeals to His covenant mercy. He prays, “Do not put us to shame, but deal with us according to your abundant mercy” (cf. Daniel 3:29 LXX addition).
This prayer aligns with biblical patterns of intercession found in Nehemiah 9 and Daniel 9, where leaders confess national sin and appeal to God’s covenant promises. It reflects the conviction that even in exile, God’s people can approach Him with confidence in His steadfast love.
The biblical theology of the Additions to Daniel here foreshadows the Gospel, where Christ Himself intercedes for His people (Hebrews 7:25). Just as Azariah prayed for mercy amid the fire, so believers can approach God through Jesus, who endured the ultimate trial on behalf of His people.
5. The Song of the Three Young Men: Worship in the Fire
Following the prayer, the Song of the Three Young Men is a hymn of praise in the midst of suffering. The three youths call upon creation to bless the Lord: “Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord” (cf. Psalm 148). Their song demonstrates that worship is not silenced by affliction but intensified in trial.
The biblical theology of the Additions to Daniel here teaches that worship transforms suffering into testimony. This anticipates New Testament teaching, where Paul and Silas sing hymns in prison (Acts 16:25). It also points to the eschatological vision of all creation praising God (Revelation 5:13).
In Christian liturgy, the Song of the Three Young Men was often used to encourage endurance under persecution, reminding the church that even the flames cannot extinguish praise.
6. Christ and the Eschatological Fulfillment
The biblical theology of the Additions to Daniel ultimately points to Christ and His kingdom. Each addition carries forward themes that find fulfillment in the Gospel:
Susanna anticipates the righteous sufferer, vindicated by God, paralleling Christ’s own unjust trial and vindication in resurrection.
Bel and the Dragon anticipates the victory of Christ over idolatry, as He disarms rulers and authorities (Colossians 2:15).
The Prayer of Azariah anticipates Christ’s priestly intercession and the forgiveness secured by His sacrifice.
The Song of the Three Young Men anticipates the worship of the redeemed creation in the new heavens and earth.
For Christians, the biblical theology of the Additions to Daniel reaffirms that faithfulness, confession, and worship all find their ultimate foundation in Christ’s victory.
Conclusion
The biblical theology of the Additions to Daniel enriches the understanding of covenant life, idolatry, confession, and worship. These narratives and prayers, though absent from the Hebrew Bible, were cherished in the Greek tradition and in the early church for their profound witness to God’s power and faithfulness.
They remind God’s people that:
Faithfulness brings vindication, even if after suffering.
Idolatry is empty and doomed to collapse.
Confession restores hope in God’s mercy.
Worship endures even in the furnace of trial.
For Christians, these truths converge in Christ, who delivers His people from sin and death, exposes false gods, intercedes for sinners, and leads His people in eternal worship. The biblical theology of the Additions to Daniel therefore points beyond its immediate setting to the everlasting kingdom of God, where His people will sing forever in His presence.
