Theological considerations apart, a knowledge of the historical context is especially important in the case of Daniel. Such a knowledge must include not just ‘bare facts’, dates, kings, and so forth, but the accompanying beliefs and attitudes as well. As with all ancient writings, not only does this knowledge help us to understand the contents against their contemporary background, but it also enables us to see where the description in Daniel is at variance with what we believe to have been the true
Pages 23–24