Tell me more ×
Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professors, theologians, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 3 down vote favorite

I noticed that "the God of heaven" is a common title used for God in the book of Daniel. Is this name used anywhere else in the Scriptures? Why is it used so much in the book of Daniel? (Perhaps for contrast with the pagan gods?) What all does the phrase denote?

share|improve this question

1 Answer

up vote 4 down vote accepted

According to F.F. Bruce's Israel and the Nations (p 108):

"the God of Heaven" is a title by which Yahweh is commonly designated under the Persian regime

The phrase is not just used in Daniel, but also used in Ezra 7:12 where Ezra is designated "scribe of the law of the God of heaven" in Artaxerxe's letter to Ezra.

It is used throughout the book of Daniel, because of the title's use in official court documents, and Daniel's living in the royal palace.

share|improve this answer
In manuscript, Ezra 7:12, Aram. "Elaha Shamaya". – Eli Rosencruft May 22 '12 at 13:40
1  
In manuscript, Ezra 7:*12*, Aramaic "Elaha Shamaya". See Daniel 2:19 same Aramaic. See Genesis 24:3 for first use in Hebrew, preceded by the tetragrammaton, followed by "and God of the earth". See Nehemiah 1:4 (Heb.). – Eli Rosencruft May 22 '12 at 13:55
Thanks Eli for noticing my incorrect reference - I have just corrected it :-) – Peter May 28 '12 at 9:06

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.