Correlating Text with History: A Critique of Method in Daniel 11: 2b-25

<p>The Topic</p> <p>Daniel 11 is the most detailed and complex historical prophecy in the book of Daniel, inviting a wide range of interpretations. Based on the chapter’s complexity, scholars from different schools have developed divergent readings grounded in their own methodological approaches and theological presuppositions.</p> <p>The Purpose</p> <p>The purpose of this study is to analyze the interpretive differences in Daniel 11 among three representative scholars—John J. Collins (preterist), J. Paul Tanner (futurist), and William H. Shea (historicist). It examines the methodological and presuppositional factors that contribute to these differences and proposes strategies for reducing interpretive divergence through more consistent and transparent hermeneutical approaches.</p> <p>The Sources</p> <p>This study draws primarily on the published works of three representative scholars—John J. Collins, J. Paul Tanner, and William H. Shea—as the main sources for analysis. Their interpretations of Daniel 11:2b–25 serve as the basis for extracting and evaluating implicit methodological criteria.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The interpretive differences among Collins, Tanner, and Shea in their reading of Daniel 11:14–25 stem from a combination of factors: inconsistent application of shared methodologies, divergent hermeneutical presuppositions, differences in exegetical analysis, and the use of additional interpretive frameworks such as intratextuality, intertextuality with the New Testament, and thematic ordering of the text. Based on the analysis, the dissertation proposes a refined interpretive approach that emphasizes critical self-awareness of presuppositions, more methodological consistency, greater interpretive accountability to the biblical text itself, and thorough historical research to ensure that proposed historical referents align accurately with the events described in the text. Thus, the study points toward a more stable foundation for ongoing scholarly engagement with Daniel 11.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Religion, Old Testament Studies PhD

Year dc:date.available

2025

Author dc:creator

• Kim, Sungjin

Contributors dc:contributor

• Roy E. Gaine
• Oliver Glanz
• Daniel Olariu

• Daniel
• Old Testament
• Exegesis
• History
• Text
• Biblical Studies

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations/1842

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.andrews.edu:dissertations-3113