In addition to the idea of fragility which is indicated in vv. 41, 42 to explain the reference to clay, this material also points to human creature; man of clay, Adam owes his existence to the intervention of the “potter” from above (Gen. 2:7; 3:19; Is. 64:8; Jer. 18:6ff.). Now, in the language of Daniel the reference to human creature conveys a specific religious connotation. Chapter 7, for example, brings out a human-featured little horn to represent a religious power, in opposition to the four
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