Penitential prayers in the books of Baruch and Daniel

Abstract

Three closely related penitential prayers are found in Baruch 1:15-2:10, Baruch 2:11-3:8 and Daniel 9:4-19. This paper presents a form-critical analysis and literary contextual comparison of these three prayers. The conclusion is drawn that the Baruch prayers come from a wisdom tradition and the Daniel prayer from an apocalyptic tradition, two parallel second century BCE Tragerkreisen in dialogue with each other and with other contemporaneous traditions. The Baruch tradents were concerned with foreign policies, re-occupation of the land and the survival of a 'rest' of Israel. The Daniel group was concerned with the rededication of the temple and living a life of fast and penitence.