Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

College

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

Program

Religion, Old Testament Studies PhD

First Advisor

Roy E. Gaine

Second Advisor

Oliver Glanz

Third Advisor

Daniel Olariu

Abstract

The Topic

Daniel 11 is the most detailed and complex historical prophecy in the book of Daniel, inviting a wide range of interpretations. Based on the chapter’s complexity, scholars from different schools have developed divergent readings grounded in their own methodological approaches and theological presuppositions.

The Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the interpretive differences in Daniel 11 among three representative scholars—John J. Collins (preterist), J. Paul Tanner (futurist), and William H. Shea (historicist). It examines the methodological and presuppositional factors that contribute to these differences and proposes strategies for reducing interpretive divergence through more consistent and transparent hermeneutical approaches.

The Sources

This study draws primarily on the published works of three representative scholars—John J. Collins, J. Paul Tanner, and William H. Shea—as the main sources for analysis. Their interpretations of Daniel 11:2b–25 serve as the basis for extracting and evaluating implicit methodological criteria.

Conclusions

The interpretive differences among Collins, Tanner, and Shea in their reading of Daniel 11:14–25 stem from a combination of factors: inconsistent application of shared methodologies, divergent hermeneutical presuppositions, differences in exegetical analysis, and the use of additional interpretive frameworks such as intratextuality, intertextuality with the New Testament, and thematic ordering of the text. Based on the analysis, the dissertation proposes a refined interpretive approach that emphasizes critical self-awareness of presuppositions, more methodological consistency, greater interpretive accountability to the biblical text itself, and thorough historical research to ensure that proposed historical referents align accurately with the events described in the text. Thus, the study points toward a more stable foundation for ongoing scholarly engagement with Daniel 11.

Subject Area

Bible. Daniel 11--Criticism, interpretation, etc. ; Bible. Daniel 11--Comparative studies; Collins, John J.; Tanner, J. Paul; Shea, William H.;

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