Daniel

Summary

Daniel holds together court narrative and apocalyptic vision, showing how the people of God live faithfully under pressure while longing for the kingdom of God to break in with decisive power. This commentary walks through both halves of the book with attention to genre, historical setting, and theological message. It helps the reader see how stories of courage and wisdom in the courts of empire prepare the ground for visions that interpret history from the vantage point of heaven.

The author treats Daniel as literature that aims to form endurance. The narratives show the shape of faithful witness, and the visions teach the church how to see. Kingdoms rise and fall, beasts rage, and saints suffer, yet the Lord remains sovereign. The commentary seeks to clarify symbols, structure, and recurring images, while also keeping the pastoral purpose in view. That combination can help preachers avoid two dangers, shallow moralism on the one hand and speculative date setting on the other.

Strengths

A key strength is the careful treatment of genre. Many readers stumble when Daniel shifts from narrative to vision. This commentary helps you adjust reading habits accordingly. It explains how apocalyptic imagery functions, how it communicates hope under persecution, and why symbolism should not be forced into a one to one prediction map. That is helpful for pastors who want to preach Daniel with confidence and restraint.

The handling of the court tales is also strong. The author draws attention to patterns of prayer, integrity, wisdom, and courage, while keeping the Lord as the central actor who delivers and vindicates. The commentary highlights how faithful living is rooted in worship and prayer, not in mere stubbornness. It also helps readers see how the stories prepare the way for the visions by training the audience to expect conflict between the kingdoms of this world and the reign of God.

The commentary is good at showing the theological weight of key themes, such as exile identity, the limits of human power, the faithfulness of God to His people, and the promise of ultimate judgement and vindication. It gives the preacher categories for speaking about suffering, compromise, and hope in a way that is anchored in Scripture rather than in cultural commentary.

Limitations

Readers with a strongly confessional approach may find some interpretive instincts less aligned with their expectations, especially in how certain historical questions are handled. The commentary aims to be careful and scholarly, but preachers may wish to compare key decisions with other evangelical works before adopting them.

At times the discussion of symbols and historical background can become detailed enough that the pastoral thread is less visible on the surface. The payoffs are still present, but the preacher may need to work to translate the analysis into proclamation that comforts and exhorts a congregation.

How We Would Use It

We would use this volume as a conversation partner when planning a series in Daniel, especially for clarifying apocalyptic imagery and avoiding speculative interpretation. It would be useful alongside a more explicitly evangelical and pastoral commentary, allowing you to compare readings and to sharpen judgement on contested texts.

We would also use it for teaching settings where people have been influenced by sensational approaches to prophecy. The commentary can help reset expectations, showing that Daniel is primarily a book for faithful endurance and confident hope in the sovereignty of God.

Closing Recommendation

A careful and informative guide to a complex book, particularly helpful for understanding genre and symbolism. Best used alongside another pastorally driven volume, but valuable for those who want to handle Daniel with restraint, clarity, and seriousness.