Welcome to this week’s episode of the Understanding Daniel Podcast, where we unpack the ancient book of Daniel and discover how its timeless truths speak to our lives today. 

Your host, Peter Englert of Browncroft Community Church, sits down with author and speaker Paul Kim, author of the new Gospel‑Centered Life in the Bible study on Daniel. Together they explore why this “mysterious” portion of Scripture isn’t just a collection of bizarre visions, but a powerful reminder that God is sovereign, Jesus has already won, and suffering has an expiration date.  

From the unsettling “second half” of Daniel—full of lions’ dens, celestial battles, and prophetic kingdoms—to the everyday choices of prayer, humility, and resisting pride, the conversation moves from academic insight to everyday application. They discuss how the book challenges both the complacent and the “conspiracy‑thinking” crowd, how to guard against the comforts of our modern Babylon, and why the gospel, not our own effort, is the only real foundation.  

The episode also offers concrete takeaways: cultivating a prayer life like Daniel’s, standing firm in a culture that tells us we’re “home,” and living out the gospel’s “good news” in work, family, and community. Whether you’re a pastor, small‑group leader, or simply curious about what Daniel can teach you today, this conversation equips you to “go your way, live for Jesus, and stand firm in the kingdom.”  

Ready to dive in? Hit play and discover how Daniel’s ancient story becomes your roadmap for today’s world.

In this episode of “Understanding the Book of Daniel,” host Peter Englert invites scholar Ron Pierce to delve into the pivotal chapter of Daniel 9. Together, they explore the significance of Daniel's prayer and the themes of confession, mercy, and intercession as Daniel pleads for his people. Ron emphasizes the unique priestly role Daniel takes in this chapter, contrasting it with his prophetic identity, and highlights the emotional weight of Daniel's desperate appeal for restoration.

As they walk through the text, listeners will gain insights into the historical context of the Babylonian exile and the prophetic implications of Gabriel's message regarding the Anointed One. The discussion also addresses the symbolism of the 70 years of captivity and the deeper truths within apocalyptic literature, encouraging a reflective approach to the mysteries of God's timing and purpose.

Ultimately, this episode invites listeners to consider their own lives in light of Daniel's experience—grappling with unanswered prayers and the reality of human brokenness while holding onto the assurance of being dearly loved by God. Join Peter and Ron as they unpack this complex chapter and its timeless relevance for today.

• Introduction to Daniel 9
• The Importance of Daniel's Prayer
• Daniel's Priest-like Role
• Walking Through the Text
• Gabriel's Response and the Anointed One
• Symbolism of the 70 Years
• Lessons for Today

Host Peter Englert, co‑host Rich Christman, and guest Ron Pierce (Biola professor emeritus) explore why Daniel’s stories— from the lion’s den to the apocalyptic visions of chapters 7‑12—still speak to today’s crises.  

• From Sunday school to scholarship: Ron shares how he moved from childhood tales to uncovering Daniel’s Aramaic/Hebrew structure and its prophetic timeline.  
• Systematic vs. biblical theology: Why reading Daniel through the eyes of a 6th‑century exile reveals deeper meaning than end‑times speculation.  
• Dark night of the soul: Using St. John of the Cross, they trace Daniel’s long “dark night” and its role in spiritual formation.
• Language & canon: The significance of the Aramaic sections and the place of apocryphal additions.  
• Aging & hope: Ron, nearing 80, reflects on what Daniel teaches about purpose, suffering, and the promise of resurrection.  

Tune in for a hopeful look at how Daniel’s ancient visions can guide us through today’s darkness. 🎧✨

In this enlightening episode of “Understanding the Book of Daniel,” Peter Englert engages in a captivating discussion with Wendy Witter, an esteemed scholar and author of two commentaries on Daniel. Wendy shares her journey from a reluctant student of Daniel to a passionate advocate for its profound teachings.

The conversation delves into the intricacies of narrative in the Book of Daniel, emphasizing the importance of understanding its theological messages rather than merely historical accounts. Wendy highlights how the narratives, particularly those involving Nebuchadnezzar, showcase God’s sovereignty and the enduring nature of His kingdom amidst the rise and fall of human rulers.

Listeners will gain insights into how to approach biblical narratives, with practical advice on interpreting the text in its broader context. Wendy’s unique perspective on the humor and irony within the stories, especially in the famous account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, offers a fresh lens through which to view these ancient tales.

As they explore the relevance of Daniel’s messages for today’s political landscape and the challenges of faith in a secular world, this episode encourages listeners to reaffirm their allegiance to God above all earthly powers. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that connects the past and present, urging us to recognize the eternal kingdom of God.

Understanding Narrative in Daniel
The Role of Nebuchadnezzar
Interpreting Biblical Stories
Application to Modern Contexts

✍️ Episode References

Wendy Widder

https://wendywidder.com

Zondervan 

https://www.zondervan.com/search-results/?q=wendy%20widder

Zondervan Exegetical Commentary

https://faithgateway.com/products/daniel-a-discourse-analysis-of-the-hebrew-bible?variant=41102749892744

Story of God Commentary

https://faithgateway.com/products/daniel-1?variant=13746586681455

In the debut episode of “Understanding Daniel,” Peter, the Adult Ministries Director of Browncroft Community Church, welcomes renowned Old Testament scholar Dr. Tremper Longman.

The conversation outlines Daniel’s historical setting from the Babylonian exile to the Persian period, explaining how its six court‑court stories and four apocalyptic visions address a people living under foreign oppression. Dr. Longman demonstrates how the book’s ancient Near Eastern symbols point to a larger biblical theme: God as the ultimate Warrior who defeats evil. This theme bridges Daniel to Revelation and the New Testament.

Listeners receive practical advice for personal or small‑group study, including recommended study Bibles and commentaries, and a reminder to recognize the book’s genre before interpreting its imagery. The central takeaway is clear: despite today’s “evil times,” Daniel’s timeless message urges believers to stay faithful, trust God’s control, and find hope.