We’ve already considered the significant change we encounter as we begin Daniel seven. The genre, the tone, and the characters are so unlike the previous chapters, it makes a person wonder if they are reading the same book. But these are only the most obvious of several signals that indicate…
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Daniel’s First Chiasm: Part One
Daniel has long been famous for its depth and complexity, but who would have guessed that we would be uncovering new insights even in the 21st century? It has become increasingly clear that the Book of Daniel is structured thematically, as well as chronologically, according to a chiastic pattern—a poetic…
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The Second Riddle: Troublesome Toys
Liberal scholarship continues to grapple over fundamental questions surrounding the Book of Daniel. The trouble stems primarily from the nature of the book’s two halves: the stories of chapters 2–6 and the apocalyptic visions detailed in chapters 7–12. These two sections are remarkably different in format, style, and emphasis yet…
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The First Riddle: Part Two
We are on a quest to understand why nearly half of the Book of Daniel is written in Aramaic, a situation unparalleled in the rest of Scripture. Aramaic is the minor player of the three languages that compose the Bible, appearing infrequently and only in scattered segments (Ezra 4:11–16; 7:11–26),…
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Of Miles & Malls: Why We Misread Scripture
So far, we’ve considered two of three remarkable features of Daniel 2. Both the unprecedented nature of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and Daniel’s prophetic calling are meant to catch our attention. Why is it then that these developments are missed entirely by avid readers of Scripture? This question is worth considering, but…
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Daniel, the (Lonely) Prophet
As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Daniel 1:17 In the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his spirit was troubled, and his sleep left him. Daniel 2:1…
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Daniel, the (Un)Prophet
Who doesn’t like “easy” when tools are involved? Speedy, simple installations and repairs are a big plus for me, but “wishes aren’t fishes,” and I find that most hardware jobs are much more difficult than they appear. Objects rust and clog, drill bits break, and kits arrive lacking the hardware…
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Three Unknowns of Daniel 2: Part Two
God had yet another surprise in store for captive Israel, embodied in the form of an impromptu prophet. Daniel came out of nowhere and became a prophet unlike any before him. In fact, had the Lord Jesus not called him a prophet (Mt. 24:15) we might have wondered what to…
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Three Unknowns of Daniel 2: Part One
Familiarity breeds contempt—especially in Bible study! The story of Daniel’s miraculous interpretation of the king’s dream is standard issue material for Sunday Schools and required reading for almost any study on prophecy. But for all its familiarity, this passage presents three key unknowns, which we would do well to consider.…
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Saving Faith: Part Two
“I still don’t see how you’re going to pull this off,” Azariah jabbed with notable annoyance. “It was one thing for us to stand up to the Melzar and ask for an exception, but to offer to do the impossible for the king seems like nothing short of arrogance.” Mishael…
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Reliance and Reactivity: Part Two
Of course, I hadn’t the time to stay and eat; what had seemed like a straightforward charge was proving to be anything but that. An execution is not usually difficult to perform, especially if the person in question is frozen in fear or resigned to his fate. And while I…
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Reliance and Reactivity: Part One
My tongue froze in my jaw and a silent paralysis pervaded my body. I was panicked yet forbidden to show it. The full measure of what was involved now settled upon me, but could I dare own it before those I was sent to slay? Up to this point, I…
