Restored from the Septuagint
Daniel
Three major sections removed: the Prayer of Azariah, Susanna, and Bel and the Dragon.
References to God
531
Verses in LXX
357
Verses in MT
174 verses missing
What Changed
The LXX Daniel contains three significant additions: (1) The Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Young Men, inserted between Daniel 3:23 and 3:24, containing 67 verses of prayer and praise from within the fiery furnace; (2) Susanna (Daniel 13 in LXX), a narrative of false accusation, faith in God's justice, and Daniel's wisdom; (3) Bel and the Dragon (Daniel 14 in LXX), exposing idol worship and affirming the living God.
Theological Impact
The Prayer of Azariah within the furnace is one of the most powerful prayers of repentance and praise in scripture. The MT jumps from the men being thrown into the fire straight to the king's astonishment, cutting out what they actually said and prayed to God while surrounded by flames. Susanna demonstrates God's vindication of the innocent. Bel and the Dragon directly confronts idolatry.
Sections Removed in the Masoretic Text
Prayer of Azariah & Song of the Three Young Men
Daniel 3:24-90 (LXX)
Azariah (Abednego) prays a prayer of national repentance from within the furnace. Then all three sing a magnificent hymn of praise calling on all creation to bless the Lord.
Susanna
Daniel 13 (LXX) / Susanna
A righteous woman falsely accused of adultery by corrupt elders. She trusts God rather than submit to their blackmail. Daniel, inspired by God, exposes their lies.
Bel and the Dragon
Daniel 14 (LXX) / Bel and the Dragon
Daniel proves that the idol Bel is not alive, destroys a worshipped dragon, is thrown into the lion's den a second time, and is miraculously fed by the prophet Habakkuk, carried by an angel.
What You're Missing
“Blessed art thou, O Lord God of our fathers, and worthy to be praised; and thy name is glorified for ever.”
Daniel 3:26-27 (LXX / Azariah's Prayer)
The opening of Azariah's prayer from inside the fiery furnace, an entire prayer that does not exist in the MT.
“Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and said, O everlasting God, that knowest the secrets, and knowest all things before they be: Thou knowest that they have borne false witness against me.”
Susanna 1:42-43 (LXX)
Susanna's prayer of faith when falsely condemned to death. God hears and raises up Daniel to vindicate her.
New Testament Connections
These NT passages reference or echo the Septuagint version: