An Exegetical and Theological Analysis of Daniel’s Four Kingdoms (Dan. 2:31-49; 7:1-28)

 An Exegetical and Theological Analysis of Daniel’s Four Kingdoms (Dan. 2:31-49; 7:1-28)—due November 26th (required for B&TS majors; by special request for others before September 28th). Description: This persuasive exegetical and theological research paper interprets Daniel 2 and 7 with regard to the four earthly kingdoms that precede God’s everlasting kingdom, then synthesize your conclusions with your understanding of systematic eschatology (i.e., dispensational vs. covenant theology, amillennial vs. premillennial theology, etc.). It must reflect the questions discussed in class, although you should argue your own position. Use the following paper outlines precisely, including headers, sub-headers and minimal word counts—not including footnotes and bibliography). A. Introduction (150 words) Thesis question: Which four kingdoms do these parallel chapters represent, and how does the fourth kingdom relate to the establishment of God’s kingdom? Discuss each of the following topics and texts in light of these questions. NOTE: The historical accuracy of the narratives and their historical markers is assumed in this paper. Do not discuss the date and composition of Daniel here. B. Contextual and Exegetical Arguments for Either the Greek or Roman View (1,600 words) 1. First kingdom: Nebuchadnezzar’s reign or the extended Babylonian Empire? 2. “Inferiority” of the second kingdom as it relates to Media or Persia 3. Worldwide extent and “four heads” of the third kingdom 4. Relevance of the “last” kingdom (before God’s kingdom) mentioned in Dan. 2, 7-8, and 11 5. Structural similarity and dates of Daniel 7 & 8, and their “four heads” and “little horn(s)” 6. Relevance of Jer. 51:11, 28, Isa. 13:17-19, and Dan. 5:31, 9:1, and 11:1 in the larger context 7. Relationship of the last kingdom to the establishment of God’s kingdom C. Conclusion (250 words) Include four items in this section: (1) a well-reasoned, summary response to the thesis question that flows from your analysis of the biblical texts, (2) a brief statement of the strongest points in your argument, (3) a brief discussion of the ramifications of this for your understanding of systematic theology, and (4) a description of how you might teach or preach this subject from these chapters in your church. Assessment: This task option will be assessed on the basis of the completion of each section and sub-section, soundness of the exegetical argument, number of sources substantively engaged, and general writing competency. NOTE: A copy of the grading rubric that will be used to score this paper is included at the end of the syllabus. Instructions for Formatting and Submission of Research Papers (required for both Research Paper options above; also, see “Biola University General Requirements for Written and Oral Projects” under “Class Policy Information”): • Use the exact letter/number outline formats given in this syllabus. Address each of the issues indicated separately. Include word counts for each major section as indicated in the assignment. NOTE: Word requirements reflect the minimum— you may write more if you wish. • Use only the Turabian “Notes and Bibliography Citation System” with “superscript note numbers.” An abbreviated Turabian Style Guide is available for PDF download on Canvas. Use footnotes (not endnotes) and include a full bibliography of all sources footnoted. Bibliographic entries must follow Turabian exactly. Footnotes should be formatted after this abbreviated pattern: 2Steinmann, Daniel, 331. If you are using an electronic version of a book where page numbers are not available, provide chapter or footnote numbers, along with the location number. • Title your uploaded electronic files after this pattern: “DAN Narratives JSmith.” • Demonstrate meaningful interaction with a minimum of twelve (12) different academic resource persons—fairly, respectfully, and evenly representing differing viewpoints. These may include class texts, articles, commentaries, and interviews with professors knowledgeable on this subject matter. Individual contributors to our texts constitute individual sources. Do not overuse any one source in your paper. Note: Internet sources should be avoided for this paper.