In the records of ancient literature, there
exists a collection of texts that transcends time, carrying with them the weight of
millennia-old wisdom and interest. Among these respected works is the Book of Daniel.
But within the pages of this book lies a lesser-known section known
as the Additions to Daniel. What secrets lie buried within the ancient
text, and what exactly is the mystery of Bell and the Dragon?
Join us as we unravel the additions of the book of Daniel.
In the third year of Joachim's rule as king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon,
marched to Jerusalem and surrounded it, taking control. It's said that God allowed Nebuchadnezzar
to capture Joachim and seize some sacred items from the temple, which he then took back to
Babylon as spoils of war. Nebuchadnezzar then ordered his top official, a eunuch named Ashpenaz,
to select some of the brightest and most promising young men from among the captives in Jerusalem.
These youths were to be groomed for service in the Babylonian court. Nebuchadnezzar
specifically wanted those who were not only physically flawless but also intelligent,
wise, and discerning, capable of serving in his royal court. These chosen ones, among them
Daniel, Anemias, Azariah, and Mishael, were given new Babylonian names by Ashpenaz. Daniel
became known as Bull-Chaser, Anemias as Cedric, Mishael as Miss-Sack, and Azariah as Abednego.
Additionally, Nebuchadnezzar ordered that these youths receive three years of intensive education
and training in the Babylonian language, customs, and knowledge. During this time, they were to be
provided with the choicest food and wine from the king's table, to ensure they were well-nourished
and fit to serve in his court. After this period of preparation, they would be presented before
the king for his service. Daniel made a firm decision in his heart that he would not eat
the rich food and wine provided by the king, as he believed it would go against his principles.
He spoke to the chief of the palace attendants, asking for permission to stick to a simpler diet.
Interestingly, Daniel had already gained favor and kindness from the chief of the attendants,
likely due to his character and conduct. The chief of the attendants expressed concern
for Daniel, fearing the king's displeasure if Daniel and his companions appeared less
healthy or vibrant than the other young men who were partaking of the king's food.
Daniel, however, proposed a solution: a test period of ten days during which he and his friends
would eat only vegetables and drink water. After this time, their appearance would be compared to
that of the other young men who had been dining on the king's fare. The chief of the attendants
agreed to this arrangement, and they carried out the plan. During the ten days, Daniel and his
friends stuck to their simple diet, while others continued to enjoy the king's lavish provisions.
At the end of the trial period, the chief of the attendants observed the results and found that
Daniel and his companions appeared just as healthy and vigorous, if not more so, than those who had
been indulging in the king's food. So, the chief continued to allow them to eat according to their
chosen diet. After 10 days had passed, the faces of the four children looked healthier and livelier
than even the king's table-fed youngsters. They didn't eat fancy supper or drink fine wine
anymore; instead, they had simple food like pulse and water. But surprisingly, these children,
with their humble diet, were gifted by God with exceptional understanding and wisdom. They became
experts in all sorts of learning and knowledge. One of them, Daniel, even could interpret dreams
and visions. When the appointed time arrived, and the king summoned them, they were brought
before Nebuchadnezzar by the chief eunuch. The king conversed with them, and it became
evident that none could match Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah in intelligence
and insight. They stood out among the crowd, their eyes shining with wisdom. In every test of
intellect and knowledge that the king presented, these four youths surpassed even the most
learned enchanters and sorcerers in the entire kingdom. Daniel's brilliance continued
to shine until the reign of King Cyrus began. In the second year of Nebuchadnezzar's rule, he
had a very strange dream that left him feeling quite bewildered. It was so puzzling that he
couldn't even sleep properly afterward. So, he decided to summon all sorts of mystical
experts – enchanters, magicians, sorcerers, and Chaldeans – to help him understand what the
dream meant. When they arrived, Nebuchadnezzar told them about his troubling dream, expecting
them to interpret it for him. He demanded that they not only interpret the dream but also tell
him what he dreamt. This request threw them into a panic because they knew it was nearly impossible.
Nebuchadnezzar warned them that if they couldn't tell him both the dream and its interpretation,
he would have them punished severely. However, if they succeeded, he promised those great rewards
and honor. The Chaldeans, feeling the pressure, pleaded with the king to just tell them the dream,
and they would figure out the interpretation. But Nebuchadnezzar wasn't buying it. He saw
through their delay tactics and suspected they were stalling for time. He believed they were just
trying to come up with some made-up story. In a fit of rage, Nebuchadnezzar threatened to destroy
all the wise men of Babylon if they couldn't fulfill his demand. The Chaldeans, feeling
helpless, admitted that what the king asked for was beyond their abilities. They explained that
no one on earth, not even the most powerful king, had ever made such an impossible request of them.
They insisted that only the gods themselves could reveal such a thing. This enraged Nebuchadnezzar
even more, and he ordered the execution of all the wise men in Babylon. The king's decree was issued,
commanding the execution of the wise men. They began to carry out the orders, seeking out Daniel
and his companions to put them to death. However, Daniel, wise and clever, spoke up with prudence.
He advised the captain of the Royal Guard, questioning the sudden and forceful command from
the king. Eric, the captain, conveyed Daniel's concerns to the king. Daniel then pleaded for
time to interpret the decree. Returning home, he gathered his friends—Anemias, Misil, and
Asura—to seek mercy from the Almighty, praying for guidance in unraveling the mystery. In a divine
revelation during the night, the mystery was unveiled to Daniel. Overflowing with gratitude, he
blessed the God of heaven for his infinite wisdom and understanding, acknowledging the divine power
over all earthly matters. With newfound clarity, Daniel approached the king's appointed executor,
Area, affirming his readiness to interpret the decree before the king. Area, recognizing Daniel's
exceptional insight, presented him to the king as the one capable of revealing the interpretation.
The king spoke to Daniel, whose other name was Belteshazzar, asking if he could tell him
about a dream he had and explain its meaning. Daniel replied, saying that the
wise men, magicians, enchanters, and soothsayers couldn't unravel the mystery the
king wanted to know. He explained that there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and this
God had revealed to King Nebuchadnezzar what would happen in the future through dreams and
visions. Daniel clarified that he didn't have special wisdom beyond others, but God had chosen
to reveal the interpretation of the dream to him so that the king could understand what was in his
heart. He then described the dream to the king: an enormous and awe-inspiring image with a
head of gold, arms, and chest of silver, belly, and thighs of brass, legs of iron, and feet
partly of clay. Daniel explained how a stone, not cut by human hands, struck the image's
feet, causing it to crumble into powder, which the wind scattered. The stone then grew
into a great mountain, filling the earth. Daniel interpreted the dream, saying that
the king represented the head of gold, symbolizing his powerful kingdom. After
his reign, lesser kingdoms would rise, each symbolized by different materials of decreasing
value. The fourth kingdom, represented by iron, would be the strongest, crushing everything in
its path. The feet and toes of mixed iron and clay signified a divided kingdom, partly strong
and partly brittle. In this vision, there will be a kingdom with both strong and weak aspects,
like iron mixed with clay, where some parts will be sturdy while others are fragile. People
from different backgrounds will be involved, but they won't truly unite, much like how iron and
clay don't blend. During the reign of these kings, the God of heaven will establish a kingdom that
will never fall, unlike other kingdoms that will eventually crumble. This new kingdom will
surpass and overcome all others, standing forever. In the vision, a stone not made by human hands
breaks apart the earthly materials symbolizing different kingdoms, revealing God's plan. King
Nebuchadnezzar recognized the significance of Daniel's interpretation and honored him,
acknowledging the power of Daniel's God. As a result, Daniel was greatly rewarded and
given a high position in Babylon, overseeing its affairs while remaining in the king's palace.
Once upon a time, three courageous young souls found themselves immersed in a blazing inferno.
Instead of cowering in fear, they stood tall amidst the flames, singing praises to God and
honoring His name. Among them, Azariah rose, his voice echoing in the fiery furnace as he
lifted his prayer to the heavens. With reverence, he spoke, "Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our
ancestors. Your name shines with eternal glory, for you are just in all your deeds, true in all
your works, and righteous in your judgments." With humility, Azariah acknowledged the sins
of his people, confessing their transgressions and their failure to heed God's commandments. He
recognized that their suffering was a consequence of their disobedience, yet he pleaded for
mercy, invoking the covenant made with their forefathers. "We beseech thee, O Lord,"
Azariah implored, "do not forsake us forever. Remember your covenant, do not withdraw your mercy
from us. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your chosen ones, and fulfill your promise to multiply
their descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore." In their moment of
despair, Azariah and his companions sought solace in the faith of their ancestors, acknowledging
their shortcomings while clinging to the hope of divine redemption. They lamented their diminished
state and the absence of traditional offerings, yet their faith remained steadfast, trusting
in God's boundless mercy. Thus, amidst the flames and the darkness, the song of the three
children resounded as proof of their unwavering faith and their belief in the power of prayer.
However, even though we may have made mistakes, let us come before you with sincere hearts and
humble spirits, seeking acceptance. Our offerings, though not grand like those of rams, bullocks, or
fat lambs, are made with sincerity and devotion. May our sacrifices be pleasing to you, O Lord, on
this day. We place our trust in you without doubt or confusion, for we follow you wholeheartedly,
with reverence and a desire to seek your presence. We do not ask for punishment or harsh judgment,
but instead, we plead for your kindness and mercy, O Lord. Save us through your wondrous deeds,
and may your name be glorified. Let those who oppose your servants be put to shame, O Lord,
and let their strength be broken. Show them, Lord, that you alone are the true God, mighty
and glorious above all. As the king's servants stoked the furnace with intense heat, the flames
rose high, engulfing even those who had cast the faithful into the fire. Yet, amidst the roaring
blaze, the angel of the Lord descended with Azarias and his companions, and miraculously,
the flames did not harm them. The furnace, once a symbol of destruction, became a place
of peace, as the angel quenched the fire with a gentle breeze, sparing the faithful from harm.
Then these three spoke together, their voices harmonizing like one, praising and honoring
God within the fiery furnace: "Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our ancestors, deserving
of praise and glory above all. Your holy name is exalted and praised forever. In
your majestic temple, your glory shines, and you are exalted above all. You who dwell
in the depths, enthroned upon the cherubim, are worthy of eternal praise. Your presence
fills the heavens, and your splendor is glorious forever. All creations of the Lord, from angels
to the heavens themselves, join in blessing and praising Him. From the mighty powers of nature to
the smallest dewdrop, from the spirits of God to the elements of fire and ice, all sing praises to
the Lord. Let the earth, with all its abundance, bless and exalt the Lord forever. Let Israel, its
priests, and its people, as well as the righteous and humble of heart, lift their voices in praise.
Let Ananias, Azarias, and Misael rejoice, for the Lord has delivered them from death
and the flames. Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy endures forever. Let all who
are devoted to Him give thanks and praise, for His mercy knows no end." Thus ends the
song of the three children, a testament to the enduring mercy and greatness of God.
In Babylon, there lived a man named Joakim, who was quite wealthy. He had a stunning garden
attached to his house where many Jews would gather because he was respected among them.
Joakim was married to a woman named Susanna, who was not only beautiful but also deeply devout,
raised by righteous parents who instilled in her the teachings of the law of Moses. In that
same year, two elders were appointed as judges, as prophesied, to oversee matters in Babylon.
However, these elders did not uphold justice but rather indulged in wickedness, abusing their
power. They frequently visited Joakim's house, where people came seeking legal advice. Susanna,
unaware of their sinister intentions, would often take walks in her husband's garden during the
noon hours. The elders, seeing her beauty, were consumed by lust for her. They deliberately turned
away from righteousness, ignoring divine judgment, and allowed their desires to cloud their minds.
Despite their mutual infatuation with Susanna, the elders kept their desires hidden, ashamed
to confess their sinful thoughts to one another. Instead, they secretly watched her day after
day, waiting for an opportunity to act on their wicked impulses. Finally, one day, as Susanna
left the garden to return home for lunch, one elder suggested to the other that they should
leave as well. However, their intentions were far from innocent. So, after they left each other,
they both turned back and returned to the same place. Then they discussed why they felt so
strongly attracted to her. Eventually, they agreed on a time to meet her alone. And it just
so happened that while they were keeping watch, she went into the garden with only two maids. She
wanted to freshen up in the garden because it was hot, and no one else was there except for the
two Elders, who were hiding and observing her. She asked her maids to bring her oil and washing
balls and to close the garden doors for privacy. The maids followed her instructions and left
through private doors to fetch the items she requested. Unbeknownst to them, the elders were
hiding and watching the whole time. When the maids were out of sight, the two Elders approached
her and said, "Look, the garden doors are closed, and no one can see us. We love you and want to be
with you. If you don't agree, we'll accuse you of being with a young man and sending your maids
away." Susanna let out a heavy sigh, feeling trapped from all sides. "I feel cornered," she
admitted. "If I obey your demand, it means death for me. But if I refuse, I can't escape your power
over me. I'd rather face whatever consequences you have in store for me than sin in the eyes of
the Lord." Her words echoed with desperation, her voice breaking as she cried out. The two elders,
unmoved by her plea, persisted in their accusation against her. One of the elders swiftly opened the
garden door, setting off a commotion among the household servants who heard Susanna's distress.
They hurriedly entered through a hidden entrance to witness the unfolding events. As the elders
presented their case, the servants were taken aback, feeling a deep sense of shame. Susanna,
whose reputation had always been untarnished, now found herself at the mercy of baseless
accusations. The following day, as the community gathered, Joakim, Susanna's husband, stood among
them, unaware of the sinister intentions harbored by the two elders. These men, driven by malicious
intent, persisted in their quest to condemn Susanna to death. In front of the assembled
crowd, they demanded the presence of Susanna, the wife of Joakim, along with her entire
family. And so, Susanna appeared, accompanied by her father, mother, children, and relatives,
unaware of the perilous trial awaiting her. Susanna, a woman of exceptional delicacy and
breathtaking beauty, found herself in a harrowing situation. Wicked men, consumed by envy of her
loveliness, demanded that her face be uncovered, despite her modesty. As her friends and onlookers
gazed upon her, tears welled in their eyes. Amidst the crowd, the two Elders stepped forward, placing
their hands upon her head. Despite her distress, Susanna, with tears streaming down her cheeks,
lifted her eyes towards the heavens, placing her trust in the Lord. With solemn voices, the
Elders recounted a tale of deceit and betrayal. They claimed that while strolling alone in the
garden, Susanna had been accosted by a young man who had hidden himself away. They alleged
that he had taken advantage of her, despite her resistance. Although witnesses had tried to
intervene, the man's strength proved too great, and he fled, leaving Susanna at their mercy.
Yet, when pressed to reveal the identity of her assailant, Susanna remained steadfast
in her silence. This defiance only served to convince the assembly of the Elders'
version of events. Without further ado, they condemned Susanna to death. Thus, in a cruel
twist of fate, the very beauty that had captivated onlookers now became the cause of Susanna's unjust
condemnation. Susanna cried out loudly, addressing the eternal God who knows all secrets and sees all
things before they happen. She pleaded, saying, "You know they have lied about me, plotting
false accusations. I face death for crimes I never committed, concocted by these men's malice."
The Lord heard her cries. As she was about to be executed, a young man named Daniel, filled with
the Holy Spirit, spoke out boldly, proclaiming his innocence in her bloodshed. The crowd turned
to him in confusion, asking for clarification. Daniel stood firm amidst them, rebuking their
rash judgment. He questioned their wisdom, asking if they were so foolish as to condemn
an innocent woman without proper examination or knowledge of the truth. He urged them to return to
the place of judgment, pointing out the falsehood in the accusations against Susanna. The people
hurried back, heeding his words. The elders, recognizing the honor bestowed upon Daniel by God,
invited him to sit among them and explain. Daniel suggested separating the accusers, promising
to conduct a thorough examination. And so, they were divided, awaiting Daniel's scrutiny.
He beckoned one of them over and spoke to him, saying, "Oh, you who have grown old in wickedness,
now your sins from the past have been exposed. You have pronounced false judgments, condemning the
innocent and letting the guilty go free. Yet, the Lord declares that you shall
not slay the innocent and righteous. If he truly witnessed what he claimed, he should
tell him, by asking under which tree he saw them together. The man replied, "Under the mastic
tree." Daniel responded, "You have lied, and your lie will be your undoing. For even now, the angel
of God has received the decree to divide you in two." So, he set him aside and ordered the other
to be brought forward. Addressing him, Daniel said, "You descendant of Canaan, not of Judah,
beauty has misled you, and lust has corrupted your heart. This is how you have treated the daughters
of Israel, and they, out of fear, have associated with you. But the daughter of Judah would not
tolerate your wickedness." So, tell me, where were they when you saw them together?" Daniel
inquired. The man hesitated before answering, "They were under a big Hol tree." Daniel's
eyes narrowed as he warned, "You've spun a dangerous tale, my friend. The angel of God stands
armed with a sword, ready to strike you down for your falsehoods." Gasps filled the air as the
crowd realized the severity of the situation. They erupted into praise for God, who shields
those who place their faith in Him. In a swift turn of events, the crowd turned against the two
Elders, their faces twisted with anger. Daniel had exposed their lies with their own words, leaving
no room for doubt. According to the ancient laws of Moses, the Elders faced the same fate they had
schemed for their innocent neighbor. Justice was swift, and they met their end that very day. In
the aftermath, relief washed over Chelius and his wife as they thanked God for sparing their
daughter Susanna from harm. Joined by Susanna's husband Joakim and their entire family, they
celebrated her innocence. From that moment on, Daniel's reputation soared among the people,
admired for his wisdom and integrity. Long ago, in the time when Daniel walked the
earth, there was a story of great intrigue and faith. King Astaya Jeez, ruler of a mighty land,
passed away, leaving Cyrus of Persia to inherit his kingdom. Daniel, a wise and respected figure,
found favor with the new king and was esteemed above all his companions. In those days, the
people of Babylon worshipped an idol named Bell. Each day, they offered twelve measures of
the finest flour, forty sheep, and six vessels of wine to this idol. The king himself bowed before
Bell, worshipping it faithfully. But Daniel, true to his beliefs, refused to worship Bell. When
questioned by the king, he explained that he could not worship idols crafted by human hands.
Instead, Daniel worshipped the living God, the creator of heaven and earth, who held
dominion over all living beings. The king, puzzled by Daniel's defiance, asked him if he did
not believe Bell to be a living god, pointing to the lavish offerings made to the idol each day.
However, Daniel remained steadfast, affirming his faith in the true living God. This tale highlights
the clash between belief in man-made idols and faith in the divine creator. Daniel's unwavering
conviction serves as a timeless example of loyalty to one's principles, even in the face of societal
pressure and temptation. Daniel smiled at the king and calmly spoke, "Your Majesty, do not be misled.
This statue may appear impressive on the outside, crafted from clay and brass, but it possesses
no life within. It has never partaken of food or drink." The king's anger flared at Daniel's
words, prompting him to summon his priests. He demanded they identify the mysterious
entity supposedly consuming their offerings, threatening death if they failed. However, if
they could prove that the statue, called Bell, was the culprit, then Daniel would face the
consequences of blasphemy. Daniel accepted the challenge, agreeing to the king's terms.
Together, they entered Bell's temple where the priests instructed the king to prepare a feast and
seal the chamber tightly. The priests assured him that if they were not found in the temple the
next day, either Bell had consumed everything, or Daniel was spreading falsehoods. Unbeknownst
to the king, the priests had a hidden passage beneath the table, allowing them to sneak in and
consume the offerings. When the priests exited, the king followed their instructions, placing
food before Bell. Daniel instructed his servants to spread ashes all over the temple while
the king was alone there. After they did so, they left, closing and sealing the door
with the king's signet. Later that night, the priests, along with their families, came
as usual and ate and drank everything in the temple. In the morning, when the king and Daniel
arrived, the king asked if the seals were intact, to which Daniel replied affirmatively.
When they opened the door, the king was astonished by the sight on the table and exclaimed
praises to an entity named Obel. Daniel, however, chuckled and prevented the king from entering,
asking him to observe the footprints on the floor. The king noticed footprints of men, women, and
children, which made him furious. He then punished the priests and their families, sealing them in a
hidden room where they had entered and destroying everything left on the table. Consequently, the
king executed the priests and handed over Bell, presumably an idol, to Daniel, who demolished
both Bell and its temple at the same location. In ancient Babylon, there was a magnificent dragon
that the people worshipped with great reverence. The king, wanting to test Daniel's beliefs, asked
him if he too would acknowledge the dragon's divinity, as it appeared to be made of brass
and seemed to live, eat, and drink. But Daniel, steadfast in his faith, replied to the king,
explaining that he worshipped a different God, who was truly alive. Daniel proposed a bold
challenge to the king. He requested permission to prove the dragon's lack of divinity by
defeating it without weapons. Surprisingly, the king granted his request. Daniel ingeniously
crafted a mixture of pitch, fat, and hair, forming it into lumps. Then, he placed these
lumps into the dragon's mouth. Soon after, the dragon split apart, destroyed by the
concoction. Daniel proclaimed that the real gods worthy of worship were not idols like
the dragon, but the living God he served. Upon witnessing this miraculous event, the
people of Babylon became furious and plotted against the king, resentful of his acceptance of
Daniel's beliefs. The king, once a follower of a different faith, now embraced Judaism. He
was infamous for destroying the mighty bell and defeating a fearsome dragon. Additionally,
he executed a priest who opposed him. This act angered some people, who approached the king
demanding the release of Daniel, or else they threatened to bring him down. Feeling immense
pressure from the people, the king reluctantly handed Daniel over to them. They promptly
threw Daniel into a pit full of hungry lions, where he remained for six harrowing days. The
den housed seven lions, each day fed with two carcasses and two sheep, all meant to keep them
satisfied so they wouldn't devour Daniel. However, this plan didn't guarantee Daniel's safety.
Meanwhile, there was a prophet named Habakkuk, who was preparing a meal in the fields for the
workers. Suddenly, an angel seized him by his crown and whisked him away to Babylon, placing
him amidst the clamor of the city. A beggar then shouted to Daniel, urging him to accept the meal
that God had sent his way. Daniel spoke, saying, "You have remembered me, O God, and you have
not abandoned those who seek and love you." Then Daniel got up and ate, and the angel
of the Lord returned Habakkuk to his place. On the seventh day, the king went to mourn for
Daniel. When he reached the den and looked inside, he saw Daniel sitting there. Overwhelmed, the
king cried out loudly, praising the greatness of the Lord, the God of Daniel, acknowledging
that there is no one like Him. The king then pulled Daniel out of the den and threw those
who had plotted against him into it. They were immediately consumed before the king's eyes.
What are your thoughts on the additions to the book of Daniel? Let us have
your opinions in the comment below.
