The interpretation of Daniel 3 in the Syriac commentary ascribed to Ephrem the Syrian

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.