Van Deventer, H.J.M.2012-01-192012-01-192011Van Deventer, H.J.M. 2011. The function of Daniel 1 in a second century BCE historical context. TD: The Journal for Transdisciplinary Research in Southern Africa, 7(2):224-234, Dec. [http://dspace.nwu.ac.za/handle/10394/3605]1817-4434http://hdl.handle.net/10394/5269In the first chapter, the book of Daniel begins with an introduction of the main characters, and a short story about refraining from defilement by eating foreign food. From a literary perspective that focuses on form and content it is clear that this chapter was written as an introduction. This contribution reconsiders what earlier form of the book (Daniel 2-7 or Daniel 2-12) it was meant to introduce. In an attempt to alter scholarly opinion as regards the redaction history of the book of Daniel, the function of this chapter is determined against a second century BCE context.enOld TestamentDanielHistorical contextArticle