Units of time in these two chapters of Daniel are rather confusing to modern ears. Scholars and curious readers have both struggled to come to a reliable conclusion.
The persecution of the Israelites and the Why is the duration of the persecution expressed in terms of mornings and evenings?
Is Daniel’s prayer appropriate for its context? How does God respond?
Why does Daniel find Jeremiah’s prophecy puzzling? How do you reconcile Jeremiah’s prophecy with Daniel’s?
Applying the Text:
Dr. Baden points out that even people within the book of Daniel know that not everything said is meant to be understood literally. Yet, there are people who continue to try and interpret the bible literally today. How would you attempt to explain this to someone who treats the text in Daniel literally? What verses would you refer to?
When Daniel turns to God for help in prayer, he addresses God from a place of confession. How can we use confession in our prayers to God when we are seeking answers? Is Daniel’s example of prayer one that we can emulate today?