Have you ever noticed that the ABCs are only "easy" for those who already know the alphabet? Maybe Daniel chapters 2 and 7 are simple for those who know or think they know, for chapter 2 (especially) does present the appearance of simplicity. Yet there are also depths in both chapters that stretch the exegetical skills and imagination of every would-be interpreter.

A Reading Perspective

First, it is essential that we read Daniel 2 and 7 in context. Although some biblical scholars have argued (and still argue) over who wrote the book and when, the first readers of Daniel did not read our two chapters in isolation. Before coming to Daniel 2, they had heard the story of Daniel and his three companions, and their faithfulness in regard to food and wine. The conclusion was that "In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom" (1:20).

Daniel 2 should also be read along with the narratives that follow it and obviously link it with Daniel 7: the image of gold and the fiery furnace (chap. 3); Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a tree (chap. 4); the writing on the wall (chap. 5); and Daniel in the den of lions (chap. 6). These stories serve to illustrate in graphic terms some of the things predicted in regard to the future and the stance expected of those who would choose faithfulness to God over obedience to earthly rulers and standards.

In addition, Daniel himself, like Joseph, stands as an example of how a diaspora Jew might find a balance between separation and involvement in the political life of the Babylonian, and then Medo-Persian Empires.

Some questions for reflection or discussion:

• What linkages do you see between Daniel 1 and 2?
• What explicit connections are there between Daniel 2 and 3?
• What do you think are the major themes of the book of Daniel and how are those themes played out in chapter 2?

Chapter 2: Daniel as Wise Man

Daniel and his three friends have already been found by Nebuchadnezzar to be wiser than all the philosophers of his kingdom, while we (the readers) know that "Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds" (1:17). Now, Daniel is challenged not only to interpret the king’s dream, but also to remind Nebuchadnezzar of the content of the dream itself. Several times in this chapter we are reminded that Daniel’s skill with visions and dreams is not natural, but supernatural (see 2:18, 20, 22, 27–28, 45, and 47).

Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel had been shown a colossal statue made of a variety of metals, with feet of iron and clay. Then, at its most vulnerable point (the feet of iron and clay), it is struck by a rock "cut out, but not by human hands" (2:34). Daniel clearly says to Nebuchadnezzar, "You are that head of gold" (2:38), and then states that following Babylon "another kingdom will rise, inferior to yours" (verse 39). These were then to be followed by a "third kingdom" and a "fourth kingdom" (verses 39–40). Exegetes have proceeded, primarily on the basis of the dating of Daniel, to argue as to the identity of the second, third, and fourth kingdoms. Yet we miss the point of the vision if we merely concentrate our thoughts on inherently unstable earthly powers while failing to observe the focus and climax: "the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed…but it will itself endure forever" (verse 44).

Some questions for reflection and discussion:

• Is God’s "stone" kingdom a present reality, or a future hope?
• God is portrayed as the One who "sets up kings and deposes them" (2:21). What place does human freedom have in relation to divine sovereignty?
• The usual Adventist interpretation of Daniel 2 does not appear to correspond to the New Testament emphasis on the centrality of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Why?

Daniel 7: The Vision of the Son of Man

Daniel chapter 7 comprises an important "hinge" in the book. There are obvious connections between the narratives in chapters 1 to 6 and the vision of Daniel 7 (and also to the visions of the following chapters). In addition, there are clear parallels between the four kingdoms of chapter 2 and the four sea monsters of Daniel 7. Again, we might well spend our time in determining the identity of the four kingdoms and especially of the "little horn" that "had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully" (7:8). After all, Daniel himself was so shocked by this image that he asked almost nothing in regard to the meaning of the first three beasts (see verse 19). However, Daniel’s attention is quickly directed to the coming of "one like a son of man" and the consequent divine judgment that pronounces "judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High" (see verses 9–14, 20–22, and 24–27).

Clearly, Daniel has been given this vision to assure the people of God that God himself will redress wrongs and vindicate himself and his own. But, how are we to live in the interim? Are these apocalyptic visions deterministic in the sense that God has laid out ahead of time exactly what will happen and when? Are we to "sit back" and wait for the divine plan to be worked out? Or, are we like Daniel challenged to be vigorously involved in the "risky" world in which we live?1

Some questions for reflection or discussion:

• Is it legitimate for Christians living under contemporary "beastly" powers to "find themselves" in Daniel chapter 7 just as Jews did in the past (see Josephus)?
• Is there any validity to the idea that Daniel is Jewish apocalyptic, whereas Revelation is Christian apocalyptic?
• Adventists have seen in Daniel 7 a challenge to fight for religious liberty. Are we as willing to challenge the "powers" in regard to the other basic rights of human beings?

Notes and References

1. W. Sibley Towner, Daniel: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (Atlanta, Ga.: John Knox Press, 1984), 114–55.

Sources for Further Study

John E. Goldingay. Word Biblical Themes: Daniel. Dallas, Texas: Word, 1989.

Frank B. Holbrook, ed. Symposium on Daniel. Washington, D.C.: Biblical Research Institute, 1986.

Josephus. Jewish Antiquities 10.209–81.

W. Sibley Towner. Daniel: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. Atlanta, Ga.: John Knox Press, 1984.

Ronald S. Wallace. The Lord is King: The Message of Daniel. Leicester, U.K.: IVP, 1979.

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