Bible Verse Lookup
Daniel, Bel, and the Snake - Introduction
The third major addition to the Book of Daniel consists of two related tales designed to ridicule heathen idolatry. In the first story (vv. 1–22 ), Daniel is again presented (see Daniel and Susanna) as a clever detective who exposes the deception practiced by the priests of Bel. Daniel thus exposes the Bel statue as lifeless, no god at all. In the second story (vv. 23–42 ), Daniel demonstrates that a serpent worshiped by the Babylonians, while a living being, is surely not divine.
The wisdom and courage of the faithful Daniel and the truth that God delivers the faithful are significant themes in both stories.
On date and original language, see Introduction to the Prayer of Azariah and The Song of the Three .
