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How to Read
How to Read Daniel
Beyond the familiar lions' den and fiery furnace, much of the book of Daniel seems baffling to modern readers. The first half recounts stories full of ancient Near Eastern protocol and imperial court drama; the second half features apocalyptic visions of monstrous beasts and cosmic conflict. Many Christians misunderstand or simply avoid the book. But failing to read Daniel well means missing a critical part of God's message to us. According to Tremper Longman III, when we read Daniel on its own terms and in its original context, we'll discover that all of the book is easier to understand than we might think. In this volume of the popular How to Read Series, Longman brings his expertise as an Old Testament scholar and teacher to orient readers to a proper engagement with Daniel. He examines the book's genre, structure, historical background, and major theological message before diving deeper into each of the stories and visions. As we learn how to enter the world of Daniel, we find a message not only for his generation but also for ours: even in hostile circumstances, God is in control, and he will have the final victory. Longman draws out this theme of Daniel for the twenty-first century, finding help for faithful living in a toxic culture and hope in a troubled world. How to Read Daniel is the perfect starting point for anyone studying, teaching, or seeking a reliable guide to this ancient book.
200 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2020
17 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Tremper Longman III
197 books126 followersTremper Longman III (PhD, Yale University) is the Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. Before coming to Westmont, he taught at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia for eighteen years. He has authored or coauthored numerous books, including An Introduction to the Old Testament, How to Read Proverbs, and commentaries on Daniel, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, Jeremiah and Lamentations, and Song of Songs.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 8, 2020
This is the sixth book of the "How to Read" commentary series. Bible books of the apocalyptic genre are generally more challenging for the layperson to read and to comprehend. There are visions, dreams, and multiple symbols that pose some level of difficulty when it comes to interpretation. What can we make of these ancient visions? What do they mean then and now? How can we understand the message of Daniel for today? These questions and more are covered in this volume. Part One deals with the literary structure of the book such as the genre, the structure, the language, history, background, and the main theological messages. In Part Two, readers could dive into the six stories and four visions; and the lessons Daniel had experienced from. In Part Three, we read Daniel to learn about applications for our modern context.
Some people avoid the apocalyptic books simply because they think it is too difficult to understand. They might have thought about studying it but shy away for lack of guidance and background information. Others study it but due to the lack of foundation about biblical theology, they might miss the forest for the trees. For both categories, this book can fill in the gaps. It is easy to read as far as the layperson is concerned. While not as technical as some other commentaries, this book can provide compelling guidance for scholars and seminarians. In other words, this book is not too difficult but do not let the simplicity of the language used deceive us. Some of the terminology and concepts used in the book are what biblical scholars would be most familiar with. "Apocalyptic" is one. "Chiasm" and the interpretation of numerology are others. These are however kept to a minimum.
The author leaves no chapter unturned. Through helpful citations and interesting observations throughout, readers will not find this book dull at all.
My Thoughts
==============
First, I appreciate the clear and structured flow of the whole book. Beginning with the genre, language, and explanation of basic foundational structures, readers are quickly equipped and prepared for what is to come. Longman is pretty unassuming in this aspect and that should assure readers that they have a guide who pre-empts the questions of a layperson. The short discussion questions at the end of each chapter help not only to summarize the key themes of the chapter but allows readers to use the book for further discussion and interaction. Sometimes, when we read the Bible, we might need help in initiating a conversation. Longman provides that in every chapter.
Second, I can think of several ways different groups can use this book. For laypersons, they could read this book that gives fresh eyes to an ancient apocalyptic book. For Bible study leaders, they can take a challenging book like Daniel and apply the "How to Read" model in their Bible group study. While the questions are limited, leaders can easily supplement the book with other resources. For preachers, the whole book can be used as a preaching series as well! For pastors and teachers, this is a convenient primer to structure the discussion and the teaching curriculum. For seminarians, this book might even inspire them to come up with their own versions on how to read Daniel!
Third, there are more strengths than weaknesses in this book. The strengths lie in its readability, clarity, and ease of understanding. Longman does a great job in parts one and two. There, the author draws on his strength as a biblical scholar, to put into simple language the complex array of images and symbolism. It is thus not surprising that the bulk of the book is in the description of the background and historical contexts. If there is any weakness, I can only point out in terms of a relative weakness. Compared with Parts One and Two, which are the stronghold of Longman's area of expertise, the applications are limited and somewhat weak. Perhaps this is intentionally so, given Longman's reticence in being too "clear" about the insights of Daniel. For example, we cannot be too clear about when events will happen. Hope is precisely that. It is clear enough about the future but vague enough with regard to when it will happen. In the same way, Longman can be clear about the historical background, but is somewhat restraint about the exactness of applications. He critiques books like certain reputable scholars that tried to link specific events with specific end-times. Maybe that is the reason why he maintains a stance of vagueness in Part Three. I would caution readers about jumping straight to Part Three in the reading of this book because the real deal is in Parts One and Two.
Overall, I think it is a book that is clear enough for the layperson but sufficiently meaty enough for seminarians and teachers wanting to start a basic course on understanding the book of Daniel. I warmly recommend this book for all pastors, teachers, students, and especially laypersons who want to study Daniel but don't know how. This book will serve as helpful guide.
Tremper Longman III (PhD, Yale University) is Distinguished Scholar of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. He is also visiting professor of Old Testament at Seattle School of Theology and Psychology and adjunct of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. He lectures regularly at Regent College in Vancouver and the Canadian Theological Seminary in Calgary.
Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of InterVarsity Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
Some people avoid the apocalyptic books simply because they think it is too difficult to understand. They might have thought about studying it but shy away for lack of guidance and background information. Others study it but due to the lack of foundation about biblical theology, they might miss the forest for the trees. For both categories, this book can fill in the gaps. It is easy to read as far as the layperson is concerned. While not as technical as some other commentaries, this book can provide compelling guidance for scholars and seminarians. In other words, this book is not too difficult but do not let the simplicity of the language used deceive us. Some of the terminology and concepts used in the book are what biblical scholars would be most familiar with. "Apocalyptic" is one. "Chiasm" and the interpretation of numerology are others. These are however kept to a minimum.
The author leaves no chapter unturned. Through helpful citations and interesting observations throughout, readers will not find this book dull at all.
My Thoughts
==============
First, I appreciate the clear and structured flow of the whole book. Beginning with the genre, language, and explanation of basic foundational structures, readers are quickly equipped and prepared for what is to come. Longman is pretty unassuming in this aspect and that should assure readers that they have a guide who pre-empts the questions of a layperson. The short discussion questions at the end of each chapter help not only to summarize the key themes of the chapter but allows readers to use the book for further discussion and interaction. Sometimes, when we read the Bible, we might need help in initiating a conversation. Longman provides that in every chapter.
Second, I can think of several ways different groups can use this book. For laypersons, they could read this book that gives fresh eyes to an ancient apocalyptic book. For Bible study leaders, they can take a challenging book like Daniel and apply the "How to Read" model in their Bible group study. While the questions are limited, leaders can easily supplement the book with other resources. For preachers, the whole book can be used as a preaching series as well! For pastors and teachers, this is a convenient primer to structure the discussion and the teaching curriculum. For seminarians, this book might even inspire them to come up with their own versions on how to read Daniel!
Third, there are more strengths than weaknesses in this book. The strengths lie in its readability, clarity, and ease of understanding. Longman does a great job in parts one and two. There, the author draws on his strength as a biblical scholar, to put into simple language the complex array of images and symbolism. It is thus not surprising that the bulk of the book is in the description of the background and historical contexts. If there is any weakness, I can only point out in terms of a relative weakness. Compared with Parts One and Two, which are the stronghold of Longman's area of expertise, the applications are limited and somewhat weak. Perhaps this is intentionally so, given Longman's reticence in being too "clear" about the insights of Daniel. For example, we cannot be too clear about when events will happen. Hope is precisely that. It is clear enough about the future but vague enough with regard to when it will happen. In the same way, Longman can be clear about the historical background, but is somewhat restraint about the exactness of applications. He critiques books like certain reputable scholars that tried to link specific events with specific end-times. Maybe that is the reason why he maintains a stance of vagueness in Part Three. I would caution readers about jumping straight to Part Three in the reading of this book because the real deal is in Parts One and Two.
Overall, I think it is a book that is clear enough for the layperson but sufficiently meaty enough for seminarians and teachers wanting to start a basic course on understanding the book of Daniel. I warmly recommend this book for all pastors, teachers, students, and especially laypersons who want to study Daniel but don't know how. This book will serve as helpful guide.
Tremper Longman III (PhD, Yale University) is Distinguished Scholar of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. He is also visiting professor of Old Testament at Seattle School of Theology and Psychology and adjunct of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. He lectures regularly at Regent College in Vancouver and the Canadian Theological Seminary in Calgary.
Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of InterVarsity Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
November 11, 2020
Daniel is one of the most popular and yet challenging books in the Bible. In plain language yet without oversimplifying, Tremper Longman guides us with a steady hand through the sometimes turbulent waters. While not a commentary, this book insightfully walks us through the main aspects of each chapter.
Daniel is divided into two seemingly distinct parts. The first half consists of six stirring stories (court tales) of Daniel and his three friends. These include the famous scenes of the fiery furnace, the lion’s den, and the writing on the wall. The second half consists of four visions of the future that are full of strange images and figurative language. What binds them all together, as Longman regularly reminds us, is to assure readers that whether we have difficulties in the present or in the future, God is in control of history and he will have the final victory.
Daniel’s point is not to give a timetable (a point many readers miss) but to tell his readers (and us) that God will make all things right and that our role is to live faithfully in the meantime.
Longman believes Daniel was written earlier rather than in the second century BC (after the prophesied events took place), as many recent scholars contend. But he does not much argue either his case nor the case of those who hold to the later date.
His final two chapters are especially valuable on how to read Daniel as 21st-century Christians in hostile cultures. He notes there is no “one-size-fits-all formula for how . . . to interact with powerful forces that are not friendly to our religious values.” Sometimes Daniel and his friends respond only in private and sometimes in public. Sometimes they seek to persuade rather than confront. “The one thing that is clear and consistent is that they do not go out of their way to offend the authorities” (148). Instead they use wisdom and civility while remaining faithful in difficult circumstances.
He also shows balance and commitment to the text this way: “While there is nothing wrong with trying to persuade the broader culture toward Christian values, there is everything wrong with trying to use the power of the state to make non-Christians act like Christians” (166). The important truth Longman leaves with us is this: In the face of much uncertainty and many difficulties, Christians can live without fear because we know the end of the story.
--
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
Daniel is divided into two seemingly distinct parts. The first half consists of six stirring stories (court tales) of Daniel and his three friends. These include the famous scenes of the fiery furnace, the lion’s den, and the writing on the wall. The second half consists of four visions of the future that are full of strange images and figurative language. What binds them all together, as Longman regularly reminds us, is to assure readers that whether we have difficulties in the present or in the future, God is in control of history and he will have the final victory.
Daniel’s point is not to give a timetable (a point many readers miss) but to tell his readers (and us) that God will make all things right and that our role is to live faithfully in the meantime.
Longman believes Daniel was written earlier rather than in the second century BC (after the prophesied events took place), as many recent scholars contend. But he does not much argue either his case nor the case of those who hold to the later date.
His final two chapters are especially valuable on how to read Daniel as 21st-century Christians in hostile cultures. He notes there is no “one-size-fits-all formula for how . . . to interact with powerful forces that are not friendly to our religious values.” Sometimes Daniel and his friends respond only in private and sometimes in public. Sometimes they seek to persuade rather than confront. “The one thing that is clear and consistent is that they do not go out of their way to offend the authorities” (148). Instead they use wisdom and civility while remaining faithful in difficult circumstances.
He also shows balance and commitment to the text this way: “While there is nothing wrong with trying to persuade the broader culture toward Christian values, there is everything wrong with trying to use the power of the state to make non-Christians act like Christians” (166). The important truth Longman leaves with us is this: In the face of much uncertainty and many difficulties, Christians can live without fear because we know the end of the story.
--
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
April 6, 2020
In his introduction Tremper Longman III writes: "Daniel not only spoke loud and clear to his generation but also to ours: in spite of present circumstances, God is in control, and he will have the final victory!"
He offers us a view of two horizons in reading Daniel. The first horizon is Daniel's generation and what it would have meant to them. The second is our present situation and its meaning for us. Throughout his book it is shown that "God is in control, and he will have the final victory!"
The book is divided into three parts:
1. Reading Daniel in Its Original Setting
2. Reading Daniel as Six Stories and Four Visions
3. Reading Daniel as a Twenty-First-Century Christian
Part I Reading Daniel in Its Original Setting: Dr. Tremper Longman III has done a wonderful job of giving us aides to reading Daniel. Part I sets the historical context in which Daniel lived. Daniel served two courts, the Babylonian and after their defeat the Persian. Dr. Longman notes that the stories of Daniel and his three friends can be seen as, 1) tales of court contest, and 2) tales of court conflict.
He presents for us detailed historical details of Babylonian and Persian rule during this time. We also find here his understanding of the issues of dating Daniel. While doing such he presents historical/cultural information that is very useful in reading Daniel.
Part II Reading Daniel as Six Stories and Four Visions:
This part details for us the stories and visions of Daniel. Again helping our unerstanding of Daniel's context. Dr. Longman writes, ". . . though diverse in language and style, these six court tales and four apocalyptic visions have a single coherent theme: in spite of present difficulties, God is in control, and he will have the final victory."
Also, Dr. Longman shows us how the book of Daniel demonstrates that God is in control "over an evil and chaotic world through the use of symbolic numbers and references to periods of time in the context of the visions."
Part III Reading Daniel as a Twenty-First-Century Christian:
In this part Dr. Longman writes about Daniel and his friends living in a toxic culture and thriving without the loss of their commitment and understanding of God or their integrity. We are shown ways to navigate and thrive inour own toxic culture from the experiences and commitments of Daniel and his three friends. We finaly learn how Daniel and his friends found comfort in knowing the ultimate victory belongs to God.
We can learn from Daniel and his friends how to thive in a toxic culture and also rest in our knowledge the in the midst of chaotic and evil world we can take comfort in the knowledge that God is ultimately in control.
I found this to be a very helpful and informative book for reading and undestanding Daniel at the two horizons and I highly recommend it as an addition to your library.
(This book has been provided courtesy of InterVarsity Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.)
He offers us a view of two horizons in reading Daniel. The first horizon is Daniel's generation and what it would have meant to them. The second is our present situation and its meaning for us. Throughout his book it is shown that "God is in control, and he will have the final victory!"
The book is divided into three parts:
1. Reading Daniel in Its Original Setting
2. Reading Daniel as Six Stories and Four Visions
3. Reading Daniel as a Twenty-First-Century Christian
Part I Reading Daniel in Its Original Setting: Dr. Tremper Longman III has done a wonderful job of giving us aides to reading Daniel. Part I sets the historical context in which Daniel lived. Daniel served two courts, the Babylonian and after their defeat the Persian. Dr. Longman notes that the stories of Daniel and his three friends can be seen as, 1) tales of court contest, and 2) tales of court conflict.
He presents for us detailed historical details of Babylonian and Persian rule during this time. We also find here his understanding of the issues of dating Daniel. While doing such he presents historical/cultural information that is very useful in reading Daniel.
Part II Reading Daniel as Six Stories and Four Visions:
This part details for us the stories and visions of Daniel. Again helping our unerstanding of Daniel's context. Dr. Longman writes, ". . . though diverse in language and style, these six court tales and four apocalyptic visions have a single coherent theme: in spite of present difficulties, God is in control, and he will have the final victory."
Also, Dr. Longman shows us how the book of Daniel demonstrates that God is in control "over an evil and chaotic world through the use of symbolic numbers and references to periods of time in the context of the visions."
Part III Reading Daniel as a Twenty-First-Century Christian:
In this part Dr. Longman writes about Daniel and his friends living in a toxic culture and thriving without the loss of their commitment and understanding of God or their integrity. We are shown ways to navigate and thrive inour own toxic culture from the experiences and commitments of Daniel and his three friends. We finaly learn how Daniel and his friends found comfort in knowing the ultimate victory belongs to God.
We can learn from Daniel and his friends how to thive in a toxic culture and also rest in our knowledge the in the midst of chaotic and evil world we can take comfort in the knowledge that God is ultimately in control.
I found this to be a very helpful and informative book for reading and undestanding Daniel at the two horizons and I highly recommend it as an addition to your library.
(This book has been provided courtesy of InterVarsity Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.)
May 10, 2020
"How to Read Daniel" is a fantastic book. You'll find this book helpful if you're leading a small group reading through Daniel as it includes questions at the end of each chapter, if you're ready to advance your own bible study skills beyond a study bible or if you're discipling someone in their bible study. Additionally, students preparing to go to bible college would find this book helpful. In the introductory chapters, there is some content which readers may not think is necessary but that is essential for students to become familiar with, such as discussion about dating of the composition of the book and the critical nature of some scholarship towards the reality of prophecy. The inclusion of these may not be initially appreciated by all readers however, for students in particular, this introduction prior to academic study is indispensable. Students will additionally find the sparse and unobtrusive endnotes helpful for when they begin further study as they provide extra, more academically appropriate resources for use in assignments.
Longman's writing is masterful and utilises repetition when necessary, to ensure that readers recall the main theme of the book by connecting discussions of each section of Daniel with the overall theme that is present. Furthermore, as the book functions as an introduction to reading Daniel, Longman includes in the appendix his reviews on commentaries for Daniel so that readers are empowered, if they desire, for even further study utilizing these commentaries. This is helpful considering particularly this book functions as a stepping stone between using a study bible and using commentaries for bible study.
I was provided a digital copy of the book through NetGalley, but all thoughts included are my own.
Longman's writing is masterful and utilises repetition when necessary, to ensure that readers recall the main theme of the book by connecting discussions of each section of Daniel with the overall theme that is present. Furthermore, as the book functions as an introduction to reading Daniel, Longman includes in the appendix his reviews on commentaries for Daniel so that readers are empowered, if they desire, for even further study utilizing these commentaries. This is helpful considering particularly this book functions as a stepping stone between using a study bible and using commentaries for bible study.
I was provided a digital copy of the book through NetGalley, but all thoughts included are my own.
May 8, 2020
If you are interested in Daniel, this book is a must-have. It's approachable, understandable, and yet rigorously academic. If you are looking for a technical exegetical commentary on Daniel, this book is not for you. However, Longman has anticipated this potential need and he has provided an excellent annotated bibliography of more technically inclined commentaries on Daniel. This bibliography alone, compiled by such an excellent scholar and including his evaluation of each, is likely worth the price of this book if you are passionate about the book of Daniel.
For more see my full review at Exegetical Tools.
For more see my full review at Exegetical Tools.
October 14, 2024
Probably the best short book on Daniel I’ve read. The author keeps the big picture in view, doesn’t over interpret, and provides good practical application. This could be easily read by a secondary school student to get them thinking clearly about what can be a strange book.
April 11, 2025
A must read. Perfect overview of the book, hard to put down, and made me want to buy the rest in the series
September 3, 2020
Summary: A helpful introduction to the Old Testament book of Daniel, dealing with its original setting and context, the theme of the book, basic commentary on each story and vision, and contemporary applications.
Most of us who have read the Old Testament book of Daniel the prophet find we can make pretty good sense out of the first six chapters, which are narratives. It is the last six which are more problematic, consisting of visions with all sorts of strange beasts, divine figures coming on the clouds, and future kings.
Tremper Longman III does for Daniel what he has done in other books in his How to Read series. Without getting engaged in highly technical commentary with extensive introduction, he introduces the reader to the original setting of Daniel, and then offers a concise commentary of the book, offering the thoughtful lay reader enough to study Daniel for oneself, or with a group.
He introduces the context of Babylonian oppression of Israel including Daniel and his companions and the structure of the book, noting the chiasm of chapters 2-7, the six stories and four visions of which the book consists, and the shifts between Hebrew and Aramaic in the book. He reviews the story of Israel, exile and the succession from Babylonian to Persian, and eventually Greek empires significant to understanding the book. The author takes a more traditional position of Daniel as a sixth century BCE rather than second century BCE work, and for the real possibility of predictive prophecy.
He then works through the book chapter by chapter. He does alter the order slightly, looking first at stories of court contest in Daniel 1 and 2, and 4 and 5, and then stories of court conflict in Daniel 3 and 6. Then he moves on to the four visions in Daniel 7, 8, 9, and 10-12. Longman sees all this material held together by a primary theme “that in spite of present difficulties, God is in control, and he will have the final victory.” In each section, he shows how the material develops that theme. He also notes a secondary theme, that “God’s people can survive and even thrive in the midst of a toxic culture.” We witness this repeatedly throughout the book as people live faithfully and experience God’s provident care, whether in superior abilities to interpret dreams or deliverance from fiery furnaces and lions’ dens.
He concludes the book with discussion of what it means to live in a toxic culture where we cannot force the government to act like the church, providing a basis for a far more nuanced political theology than we customarily encounter. He also explores what it means to find comfort in God’s ultimate victory that begins with the recognition of the real existence of a battle between good and evil operating behind many of the conflicts we face in the world today. There may be real instances where we need to stand against evil, and this may even cost our lives. Likewise we need to be attentive to the war within, finding courage to stand against both external and internal evils, the systemic and the personal, in view of the victory of God portrayed in the visions.
This is a great resource for an adult ed class studying Daniel, as well as a personal devotional study. Each chapter includes a few reflection questions helping connect specific content to the larger themes of Daniel. Commentary recommendations will help the person know where to look who wants to dig deeper. This is a sound work of introduction and interpretation that I would recommend as a great first book on Daniel.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Most of us who have read the Old Testament book of Daniel the prophet find we can make pretty good sense out of the first six chapters, which are narratives. It is the last six which are more problematic, consisting of visions with all sorts of strange beasts, divine figures coming on the clouds, and future kings.
Tremper Longman III does for Daniel what he has done in other books in his How to Read series. Without getting engaged in highly technical commentary with extensive introduction, he introduces the reader to the original setting of Daniel, and then offers a concise commentary of the book, offering the thoughtful lay reader enough to study Daniel for oneself, or with a group.
He introduces the context of Babylonian oppression of Israel including Daniel and his companions and the structure of the book, noting the chiasm of chapters 2-7, the six stories and four visions of which the book consists, and the shifts between Hebrew and Aramaic in the book. He reviews the story of Israel, exile and the succession from Babylonian to Persian, and eventually Greek empires significant to understanding the book. The author takes a more traditional position of Daniel as a sixth century BCE rather than second century BCE work, and for the real possibility of predictive prophecy.
He then works through the book chapter by chapter. He does alter the order slightly, looking first at stories of court contest in Daniel 1 and 2, and 4 and 5, and then stories of court conflict in Daniel 3 and 6. Then he moves on to the four visions in Daniel 7, 8, 9, and 10-12. Longman sees all this material held together by a primary theme “that in spite of present difficulties, God is in control, and he will have the final victory.” In each section, he shows how the material develops that theme. He also notes a secondary theme, that “God’s people can survive and even thrive in the midst of a toxic culture.” We witness this repeatedly throughout the book as people live faithfully and experience God’s provident care, whether in superior abilities to interpret dreams or deliverance from fiery furnaces and lions’ dens.
He concludes the book with discussion of what it means to live in a toxic culture where we cannot force the government to act like the church, providing a basis for a far more nuanced political theology than we customarily encounter. He also explores what it means to find comfort in God’s ultimate victory that begins with the recognition of the real existence of a battle between good and evil operating behind many of the conflicts we face in the world today. There may be real instances where we need to stand against evil, and this may even cost our lives. Likewise we need to be attentive to the war within, finding courage to stand against both external and internal evils, the systemic and the personal, in view of the victory of God portrayed in the visions.
This is a great resource for an adult ed class studying Daniel, as well as a personal devotional study. Each chapter includes a few reflection questions helping connect specific content to the larger themes of Daniel. Commentary recommendations will help the person know where to look who wants to dig deeper. This is a sound work of introduction and interpretation that I would recommend as a great first book on Daniel.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
October 19, 2022
The good: generally careful and circumspect about the controversial passages in Daniel.
The bad: very little insight. Applications (of both the stories and the visions) were simplistic and not helpful.
The bad: very little insight. Applications (of both the stories and the visions) were simplistic and not helpful.
July 5, 2020
This book was a random pick up for me as I was in the mood to cover a Bible book in some depth. I read this alongside Daniel in the Bible.
This book is broken into three sections. The first is the book in its original setting dealing with its genre, language, structure, theme, and historical setting. The second part is a commentary on all twelve chapters of Daniel. Then the third section is how Daniel applies to the 21st century Christian.
Longman describes the main theme of the book as: "In spite of present difficulties, God is in control and will have the final victory." He repeatedly shows how the individual parts of the book tie back to this theme.
One of the things I appreciated most in this book is how Longman doesn't shy away from pointing out the historical issues (while holding to an inerrancy position on Scripture). One point he makes is that while some issues don't have neat and tidy answers currently, sometimes time fixes a problem as more documents are discovered. For example, King Belshazzar (Dan 5:1) was thought to be a fictional character by secular historians as his name wasn't found in any Babylonian literature until the second half of the 19th century. Time showed he was a real king as the Bible said. Additional discoveries in the future may provide secondary attestation to other biblical claims or clear up historical issues that we presently see.
If you're looking to do a focused study on a biblical book, this would be a good choice.
This book is broken into three sections. The first is the book in its original setting dealing with its genre, language, structure, theme, and historical setting. The second part is a commentary on all twelve chapters of Daniel. Then the third section is how Daniel applies to the 21st century Christian.
Longman describes the main theme of the book as: "In spite of present difficulties, God is in control and will have the final victory." He repeatedly shows how the individual parts of the book tie back to this theme.
One of the things I appreciated most in this book is how Longman doesn't shy away from pointing out the historical issues (while holding to an inerrancy position on Scripture). One point he makes is that while some issues don't have neat and tidy answers currently, sometimes time fixes a problem as more documents are discovered. For example, King Belshazzar (Dan 5:1) was thought to be a fictional character by secular historians as his name wasn't found in any Babylonian literature until the second half of the 19th century. Time showed he was a real king as the Bible said. Additional discoveries in the future may provide secondary attestation to other biblical claims or clear up historical issues that we presently see.
If you're looking to do a focused study on a biblical book, this would be a good choice.
February 20, 2024
The author starts out providing excellent background to the narrative section
of the book of Daniel, but once he gets to the second half of the book, he loses his way pretty quickly. The apocalyptic sections devolve into just a fight between good and evil, maaybe there’s some prophecy there, but mostly it’s a colorful way of telling the Israelites in captivity that God is in charge and some day it’ll all get better someday.
Even in the first six chapters, the big lesson is essentially be nice, go along, except in extreme circumstances. We can’t expect more out of pagans. Just live your life and let the culture go—that’s what Daniel did, he says.
Needless to say I am very disappointed.
of the book of Daniel, but once he gets to the second half of the book, he loses his way pretty quickly. The apocalyptic sections devolve into just a fight between good and evil, maaybe there’s some prophecy there, but mostly it’s a colorful way of telling the Israelites in captivity that God is in charge and some day it’ll all get better someday.
Even in the first six chapters, the big lesson is essentially be nice, go along, except in extreme circumstances. We can’t expect more out of pagans. Just live your life and let the culture go—that’s what Daniel did, he says.
Needless to say I am very disappointed.
July 6, 2020
This book falls between a commentary and a layman's overview of the book of Daniel. It has chapter by chapter analysis of the scripture, but does not go into the detail the NIV Application Commentary on Daniel that Longman has also written. The book should therefore be read as a layman's overview. However, it reads like a commentary and is not light reading like NT Wright's "The Bible for Everyone." While the book is worthwhile, I am not sure how to categorize it or how to rate it.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2021
I wasn't sure the topic would interest me given I know so little of the old testament, having grown up in a household that made no habit of religious practice. Nonetheless, I have become more fascinated by some of these old writings. The Book of Daniel has an interesting connection with numbers and visions of the apocalypse. Being a Daniel, maybe this book was reading me just as I was reading it. A lot of repetition in theme, but then again, maybe someone like me is not the intended audience. All the same, I am ready for my next delve into the Old Testament (capitalized now).
April 3, 2020
I have always loved the book of Daniel. I study it throughout the year so I was excited to get a copy of this book but it feel short for me. I think it’s because of all the studying I have done over the years. If you haven’t read Daniel or you need help reading and studying Daniel then this book is for you.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and InvertVarity Press for my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and InvertVarity Press for my honest opinion.
October 5, 2020
This was a great study on the book of Daniel. I found it enjoyable, deep, and very educational. It was a book I needed to take time with, to process, and study in depth. However, if you're interested in the Old Testament, and looking for a study tool that goes beyond the surface, I highly recommend it.
December 18, 2020
Mini Commentary on Daniel
This is a great easy to read mini-commentary on Daniel! Dr. Longman reviews the entire book and provides the reader with informed exposition from the text along with socio-historical background that really informs the reader! Thank you Dr. Longman! I need to read more your books!
This is a great easy to read mini-commentary on Daniel! Dr. Longman reviews the entire book and provides the reader with informed exposition from the text along with socio-historical background that really informs the reader! Thank you Dr. Longman! I need to read more your books!
July 22, 2023
A good overview of Daniel that avoids the pitfalls that most discussion of Daniel's prophecies fall into. It goes off into the weeds a little bit near the end (in the application--several topics are briefly commented on without much of a connection to Daniel) but it's a good treatment of Daniel.
January 31, 2024
This book is a great option for anyone seeking clarity on the book of Daniel. It’s easy to read and covers all the basics. After diving into Longman’s insights, readers will undoubtedly approach the book of Daniel with newfound understanding and appreciation.
August 24, 2020
A helpful short commentary and interpretive lens by which to read Daniel.
August 24, 2020
An excellent supplemental reading to go along with the study of Daniel. Longman has insightful comments on living for Christ in our current culture.
September 23, 2020
Helder boek, zeer geschikt om gelezen te worden door sensatiezuchtige eschatofielen, om verstandig met Daniël om te gaan.
December 2, 2023
Really useful. Will be returning.
February 25, 2024
An introductory commentary on the book of Daniel. It was just ok.
August 17, 2025
Basic book in a basic series. No sensationalism, which I appreciated. Just good solid background and cultural helps.
August 14, 2024
Super enjoyable book on Daniel. Goes over historical context, and discusses apocalyptic literature which I has a sweet spot in my heart. The application of the book was my favorite by far though. Longman is great at synthesizing scholarship to a readable level. Would recommend for anyone curious about apocalyptic literature and how to apply the stuff of the Bible that seems wacky to us!
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