On today's episode...

This week on the podcast, the Rev. Rick Morley, Elliot VanHoy, and Natalee Hill take a deep dive into the Book of Daniel. From fiery furnaces to lions’ dens to mysterious visions, Daniel’s story has it all. Together, the hosts unpack what’s going on in this apocalyptic text, how it connects to the big picture of Scripture, and what we can take from it today.

One of the major points of note is that this book, particularly the second half of this book, is best read alongside a commentary or in a study Bible. The average reader won’t be able to make heads or tails of the second half without the context of the day and the geopolitical figures that are being referenced via metaphor.

Here’s a taste of what comes up in the conversation:

• Life in Babylon: exile, identity, and resisting assimilation
• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: the fiery furnace and God’s protection
• The lion’s den and a repetition of God’s protection
• Daniel’s apocalyptic visions: beasts, horns, and cosmic battles
• The historical backdrop: Antiochus Epiphanes, the Maccabean Revolt, and Hanukkah (The Feast of the Dedication)
• Angels in Daniel: Gabriel, Michael, and the role of heavenly protectors
• The “Son of Man” and how Daniel points toward the New Testament
• What to do with Daniel’s “historical inaccuracies” and sermon-like qualities
• What apocalyptic literature is and what it does and does not do or tell us
• Hope and resilience: why Daniel still matters to us today

The book of Daniel may be complex, but we try to make it approachable in this episode by weaving together history, theology, and practical insights for living faithfully in challenging times.

Cross Connections is a ministry of ⁠⁠St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne, PA⁠⁠. Season two, Cover to Cover is hosted by the Rev. Rick Morley, Elliot VanHoy, and Natalee Hill.

A full copy list of readings for 2025 may be found on our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stdavidschurch.org/crossconnections⁠⁠ ⁠If you have questions for us, you can call us at 484.588.5656 and leave a voicemail with your name, where you’re from, and your question or comment. Please note, we may use your recorded voice in an upcoming episode of Cross Connections. You can also email us at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.

Logo graphic design and podcast production by Natalee Hill. Stock Media Music provided by Marscott and MoodMode / ⁠⁠Pond5⁠⁠.

You are welcome to learn more about all of St. David’s worship offerings and ministries at ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://stdavidschurch.org/⁠⁠.