What implications does this view have for the message and purpose of the book of Daniel? To answer this, the emphasis of the two major sections of the book should be noted, taking into account the overlap. Thus, one must look for the rationale behind chaps. 2–7 and then for chaps. 7–12. The first major section (chaps. 2–7) emphasizes the Gentile nations under whom Israel is being disciplined. This would explain why these chapters were written in Aramaic, the