reader for the stories and apocalyptic dreams and visions that have been skillfully woven together. The book teaches God’s people how to position themselves in a hostile environment and how they should expect the course of world history to interface with them and their faith and traditions. Those who are truly wise and faithful will learn and will remain faithful to their Lord and traditions in whatever age they live; many will be successfully delivered in this life (chs 3, 6), some may die for their