Abstract:
This paper investigates the exegetical notes on Daniel 3 in the Syriac
commentary attributed to Ephrem the Syrian. It is established that the
text which the author of the commentary used is most probably that of
the Peshitta. The commentary’s interpretation of this chapter is
compared with the work of Aphrahat and Ephrem. The interpretation of
the commentary seems to be straightforward, in contrast to the highly
creative and symbolic interpretation of Dan 3 in Ephrem’s genuine
hymns. Despite this difference, however, peculiar interpretational
similarities are found between the commentary, Aphrahat’s
demonstrations and Ephrem’s hymns. One example of this is the idea
that the “nature of the fire” in the furnace was changed to keep it from
hurting the three friends of Daniel. It is concluded that Ephrem’s
authorship of the commentary cannot be proven through this
investigation, but that it can also not be excluded.
