Bannas is a figure mentioned in the apocryphal additions to the Book of Daniel, specifically in the narrative of "Bel and the Dragon." This text is part of the deuterocanonical literature, which is included in the Septuagint and the Catholic and Orthodox Christian Old Testaments but is not found in the Hebrew Bible or the Protestant canon.

Context in "Bel and the Dragon"

The account of "Bel and the Dragon" is an extension of the Book of Daniel, illustrating the prophet Daniel's wisdom and faithfulness to God in the face of idolatry. The narrative is divided into two main episodes: the exposure of the false god Bel and the destruction of the dragon worshiped in Babylon.

Bannas is mentioned in the context of the first episode, where Daniel exposes the deceit of the priests of Bel. The Babylonian king, who revered the idol Bel, believed that the idol consumed large quantities of food and drink daily. Daniel, however, challenged this belief, asserting that the offerings were consumed by the priests and their families, not by the idol.

Role and Significance

Bannas is identified as one of the accomplices in the deception surrounding the idol Bel. The priests of Bel, along with their families, secretly entered the temple through hidden doors to consume the offerings left for the idol. Bannas, as part of this group, participated in the fraudulent practices that misled the king and the people of Babylon.

Daniel's exposure of this deceit involved a clever stratagem. He had the temple floor covered with ashes, revealing the footprints of the priests and their families, including Bannas, as they entered the temple to take the food. This evidence convinced the king of the priests' deception, leading to their execution and the destruction of the idol Bel.

Theological Implications

The account of Bannas and the priests of Bel serves as a powerful illustration of the futility of idolatry and the triumph of true faith in God. Daniel's unwavering commitment to the worship of the one true God and his ability to reveal the truth through divine wisdom underscore the central biblical theme of God's sovereignty over false gods and idols.

While Bannas is a minor character in the narrative, his involvement in the deceit highlights the broader human tendency to turn away from God and engage in idolatrous practices. The account serves as a cautionary tale against the worship of false gods and the importance of discernment and faithfulness in the life of a believer.

Conclusion

Though Bannas is not a prominent figure in the canonical scriptures, his role in the apocryphal "Bel and the Dragon" contributes to the overarching biblical narrative that emphasizes the supremacy of God over all false idols and the importance of faithfulness and integrity in the face of deception.BANNAS

ban'-as (Bannos; the King James Version, Banuas): A name occurring in the list of those who returned from the captivity with Zerubbabel (1 Esdras 5:26). Bannas and Sudias are represented by Hoodaviah in the lists of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Bannas
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BANNAS. ban ... 26). Bannas and Sudias are
represented by Hoodaviah in the lists of Ezra and Nehemiah. ...
/b/bannas.htm - 6k

Banneas

/b/banneas.htm - 6k

Bannaia
Bannaia. Banks, Bannaia. Bannas . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BANNAIA.
ba-na'-ya. See SABANNEUS. Banks, Bannaia. Bannas . Reference Bible.
/b/bannaia.htm - 6k

Banuas
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BANUAS. ban'-u-as (1 Esdras 5:26):
A misprint for BANNAS (Revised Version), which see. ...
/b/banuas.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus