Daniel (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries | TOTC)
Overview
Daniel asserts that the meaning of history is that God's kingdom is coming. As it does, faithful people persevere in their work for God. Believers can rely on the certainties the book proclaims: God is sovereign over human affairs and is effectively bringing in his eternal kingdom, which will encompass all nations. In this Tyndale commentary, Paul House shows how Daniel rewards readers who embrace its historical, literary, and theological features as key means of personal and community formation.
The Tyndale Commentaries are designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text says and what it means. The Introduction to each book gives a concise but thorough treatment of its authorship, date, original setting, and purpose. Following a structural Analysis, the Commentary takes the book section by section, drawing out its main themes, and also comments on individual verses and problems of interpretation. Additional Notes provide fuller discussion of particular difficulties.
In the new Old Testament volumes, the commentary on each section of the text is structured under three headings: Context, Comment, and Meaning. The goal is to explain the true meaning of the Bible and make its message plain.
Key Features
- Introduction to authorship, date, and historical background
- Links directly to original language texts and English Bible translations
- Part of the long-trusted Tyndale Commentary Series from IVP
Top Highlights
“He sees death and destruction ahead, but also resurrection and peace with God (12:1–4). Therefore, readers must hold Daniel’s past, present and future together, not separate them. They must read Daniel the way they experience reality, combining memory, current experience and future hope.” (Pages 2–3)
“The time periods and leaders he mentions are as follows: seven weeks (an anointed one); sixty-two weeks (an anointed one cut off); half a week (the coming prince); and half a week (the desolator).” (Page 159)
“Nabonidus did not particularly like the city of Babylon, and he preferred another deity to Babylon’s chief god, so he lived elsewhere and put his son Belshazzar in power there for ten years, before returning when Persia became a threat (see ANET 313 and the comments on Daniel 4:1 and 5:1). Scholars date this co-regency as beginning in c. 553–552 bc or c. 550–549 bc. The latter date seems the most likely (see comments on 5:1 and 7:1). Belshazzar was ruling the city of Babylon on his father’s behalf when it fell in 539 bc.” (Page 5)
“In short, he confirms the visions Daniel conveys. Kingdoms will come and go. Persecution will continue, though not always at the same level of severity. God will eventually intervene. Until then, there will always be yet another fourth human kingdom, but God’s kingdom is the ultimate kingdom. It will endure for ever.” (Page 7)
“If language means anything, these statements prohibit speculation about times, political situations, leaders and dates that goes beyond the expectation of witness, perseverance, persecution and the certain rise of God’s kingdom of ‘everlasting righteousness’ (Dan. 9:24).” (Page 164)
Product Details
- Title: Daniel: An Introduction and Commentary
- Author: Paul R. House
- Series: Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (TOTC)
- Publisher: IVP
- Publication Date: 2018
- Pages: 208
- Christian Group: Evangelical
- Resource Type: Commentary
- Topic: Daniel
Paul R. House (1958–) is Professor of Divinity Old Testament at Beeson Divinity School where he teaches Old Testament theology and Hebrew. He earned his PhD from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
In 2004, House became Professor of Divinity at the Beeson Divinity School of Samford University. House continues to teach at Samford and also serves as the Associate Dean of Samford’s Divinity School.Paul previously taught at Taylor University, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, and Wheaton College.
House has written several articles and books including Old Testament Survey found in the Hebrew History Collection, Unity of the Twelve in the History of Israel Collection, Old Testament Theology, and the volume on 1 and 2 Kings in The New American Commentary.