Angela,
I enjoyed reading your ideas on these passages. Another aspect of the Hebraic tradition that is demonstrated in Daniel is that humans are first responsible to God and second to their neighbor. Although it was not a popular decision, Daniel was brave enough to express his convictions to his superiors. The text describes that this pleased God and that He used Daniel’s obedience for great things. Daniel also illustrated the Hebraic view of plurality by being present with others who thought and behaved differently from him. Because Daniel did not isolate from those who were not believers, God blessed him and those around him.
