@Lulav
- Eden (also known as Ehden) is a mountainous city/region in Lebanon going back thousands of years.
- Biblical references describe Lebanon, which covers the upperpart of Canaan, as rich with natural resources and beauty (Isaiah 60:13).
- Some biblical scholars think that "Eden" in Genesis 2-3 may be referring to this specific region in Lebanon, because of its splendor and ancient extra-biblical references.
When I was a young-earth creationist, I had hoped to uncover the location of Eden somewhere in the Phoenician region, given its ancient references outside the Scriptures.
The fact that Ezekiel prophesies against the 'king' and 'prince' of a capital (that is, Tyre), which is an epithet given to ancient kings (ex. king of Jerusalem, king of Samaria, etc), shows that this is a real person who ruled the region surrounding it.
We should treat these "angelic" descriptions as poetic.
How about in Daniel, I don't think he thought these as poetic.
10:1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar;
and the thing was true, but the time appointed
was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.
2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.
3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till
three whole weeks were fulfilled.
4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which
is Hiddekel;
5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins
were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:
6 His body also
was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision:
for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.
8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.
9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.
10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and
upon the palms of my hands.
11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee
am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.
12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel:
for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
13 But
the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me
one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision
is for
many days.........
18Then there came again and touched me
one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,
19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace
be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
20 Then said he,
Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.
21 But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and
there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.
