The Canticle of the Three Servants in the Fiery Furnace (Dan 3, 56-88) as an Easter Hymn

The Canticle of the Three Servants in the Fiery Furnace, commonly known as the Canticle of Daniel, is one of the biblical texts most frequently utilized in the liturgy. From the early centuries of Christianity, the Canticle has enjoyed pride of place in key celebrations, such as the Easter vigil, the Pentecost vigil, and the vigils of the Ember days. In spite of the various reforms in the history of the Liturgy of the Hours, the Canticle has never lost its place in the ordo of Sunday morning prayer and of major feasts and solemnities. This book argues that the interpretation of the salvation of the Three Servants in the Fiery furnace in the light of the resurrection of Christ made the Canticle of the Three Servants an Easter hymn. The Canticle’s migration to various liturgical contexts not only attests to its popularity in Christian liturgy but also shows how the Christian community has used this biblical text to highlight the paschal spirit of the celebrations in which the Canticle appears.