- Can one (should one?) discern a parallel between Daniel 2 and the experience of Joseph with Pharaoh?
- Indeed, in Daniel 2:3 the English “I am full of anxiety” reflects a Hebrew phrase which is identical with that in the Joseph story (Genesis 41:8).
- At this point (Daniel 2:4) the text moves from Hebrew to Aramaic. Is there any evident reason or purpose noted for this change?
- Unlike the Pharaoh/Joseph situation, what major difference is there in the demand which the king makes of his interpreters?
- What (Daniel 2:12) is the final result of the dialogue between the “wise men” and the king?
- According to Daniel 2:13 are “the four” — Daniel and his companions — included in the death decree?
- Does Daniel (Daniel 2:15-16) seem to have ready access to the king in spite of the latter’s recent rage?
- What measure does Daniel use in order to ascertain what the king actually dreamt — and is the measure successful?
- In the prayer verses (Daniel 2:20-23), aside from the Aramaic, does the reader see any connection with the Psalms or other passages in the TanakhAn acronym for the name of the Hebrew Bible: Torah, Neviim, and Ketuvim. Read more?
- How, in Daniel 2:28, does Daniel’s coming to the king parallel that of Joseph to Pharaoh — or does it?
- In Daniel 2:30 does Daniel claim any particular “competency” in dream interpretation or, rather, give some other source credit?
- Following his narrating of the dream (Daniel 2:31-35) does Daniel wait for any confirmation of accuracy from the king, or does he move immediately to the interpretation?
- Would Daniel 2:43 imply some union between “heavenly creatures” and humanity?
- Irrespective, at that time, what will result in terms of rulership?
- Does the interpretation imply a messianic time and/or even hint at what kingdom this would be?
- In Daniel 2:46, since the king “ordered that a meal offering and pleasing offerings be made to him” — would this imply that he regarded Daniel as a “godlike creature?”
- As a result of the dream sequence, what becomes of Daniel and his friends?
- Is there any reference in this entire chapter to Judea, to Israel, to the Temple, to the exiles as such?
