Daniel

Summary

We preach Daniel in a cultural moment that often feels like exile. That can tempt us to use the book as a set of motivational stories or as a launchpad for speculative end times debates. Daniel will not cooperate with either approach. It gives us court narratives that teach fidelity, and it gives us apocalyptic visions that train hope, humility, and endurance. A serious commentary can help us hold these two halves together, so that our people see one coherent message rather than two unrelated genres.

Daniel demands careful attention to structure. The narratives are not merely children’s stories. They are theological accounts of the Lord’s sovereignty over empires and over rulers. The visions are not puzzles to master. They are revelations meant to strengthen saints under pressure, reminding us that God rules, that evil has limits, and that the kingdom will come. A helpful commentary will guide us through literary features, historical setting, and key interpretive questions, while resisting sensationalism.

We want support for preaching that is both courageous and calm. Daniel teaches us how to live faithfully in public life without panic, and how to pray when the future feels uncertain. It also teaches us that God’s deliverance may be immediate, or it may be final and resurrection shaped. That distinction matters for pastoral honesty.

Strengths

First, a substantial commentary can help us preach the narratives with depth. Daniel 1 to 6 includes moral courage, yes, but it also includes worship, prayer, repentance, and the Lord’s defence of His own glory. If exposition attends to the chapters as theological units, it prevents shallow hero worship. We can honour Daniel’s faith without turning him into the centre.

Second, we need careful handling of the visions. There are interpretive debates that cannot be avoided. Yet we can address them without making them the main event. The main event is God’s sovereignty and the call to endurance. A good commentary helps us see what is clear, what is debated, and how to preach the clear with confidence while holding the debated with humility.

Third, Daniel’s pastoral usefulness rises when we see its prayerfulness. Daniel’s response to revelation is not speculation, it is prayer and obedience. That is a crucial corrective. When the future is disclosed, the proper response is faithful worship and steady perseverance. We need help preaching that emphasis, so that our people are formed into resilient disciples rather than anxious chart makers.

Limitations

As with other large volumes, the limitation is time. It is hard to use well under pressure. We should also remember that Daniel’s apocalyptic imagery requires careful teaching. A commentary can help, but we still need to shepherd our people patiently, especially if they bring strong assumptions. Our goal is not to win debates, but to build hope and holiness under the Lord’s reign.

We should also guard against letting technical detail overwhelm proclamation. Daniel is meant to produce courage, humility, and prayerful endurance. We must keep that aim in view as we consult deeper resources.

How We Would Use It

We would use this as a primary reference in a preaching series, especially for the vision chapters where misreading is common. We would start by mapping the structure of the book, then consult the commentary for interpretive guidance and clarity on the flow. We would also use it to shape applications that stay tethered to the book’s own aims: fidelity, prayer, and hope in the kingdom of God.

In training settings, this can help pastors in training learn how to handle apocalyptic literature responsibly, with confidence in Scripture and with restraint in speculation.

Closing Recommendation

This is a substantial tool for those who want to preach Daniel with seriousness and balance. It will serve best where we have time to read, to pray, and to let the book form our instincts as much as it informs our outlines.