The Future for God's People in a Conflict-Ravaged World: Daniel 7–12
Ebook
A tragic world ravaged by conflict. A world in which powerful political states act ruthlessly, with millions upon millions of lives devastated. Across the globe, from continent to continent, in state after state, political power is wielded in ways that are inhumane and dehumanizing. Vast numbers of people are the victims of violent religious persecution. For many, living a godly life brings with it the prospect of considerable suffering and hardship. That's the reality painted in the book of Daniel. The Future for the Wise in a Conflict-Ravaged World provides us with the perspectives we need to face the future as we live in such a world and remain true to the God who rules over it.
“This detailed and careful study of Daniel 7–12 in light of modern study will provide a most useful guide to anyone who wishes to study Daniel in light of the questions that scholars have been asking and the answers they have been giving over the past century, right up to the 2020s. For any readers, this survey will be illuminating.”
—John Goldingay, professor emeritus of Old Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary
“Michael Wilson’s exposition of the text is based on a completely fresh analysis of chronological, historical, linguistic, and literary features in the text as well as the context in the canon of Scripture and the ancient near Eastern background. He is fully abreast of and interacts extensively with the enormous literature on Daniel. Written in a style accessible for everyone, I highly recommend this treatment of Daniel for those who are willing to have their current understanding challenged.”
—Peter J. Gentry, senior professor of Old Testament interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“In this second volume, Michael Wilson continues and completes his helpful exposition of the book of Daniel. Wilson is a great communicator, for he has a lovely turn of phrase and an admirable ability to sum up in a few well-chosen words what are seemingly interminable debates over the meaning of the text of Daniel, and so he succeeds in providing the kind of help that readers of the book of Daniel really need. It is a marvelous achievement.”
—Greg Goswell, lecturer in Hebrew and Old Testament, Christ College
“In this sequel, Michael Wilson again demonstrates a breadth of scholarship in his careful engagement with the biblical text. Rather than simply rehashing the arguments and conclusions of others, he offers fresh insights and compelling arguments for taking the claims of Daniel 7–12 seriously. Wilson provides a reliable and sure-footed guide to some of the most complex and controversial chapters in all the Bible. Highly recommended.”
—Paul R. Williamson, lecturer in Old Testament, Moore Theological College
“This volume crosses the divide between academy and church, offering a scholarly commentary on the biblical book of Daniel as well as a guide for studying it that would be useful to clergy and theologically astute congregations. I wholeheartedly endorse this work.”
—Jeanette Mathews, senior lecturer in biblical studies, Charles Sturt University
“Michael Wilson has now produced volume 2 of his commentary on Daniel. Daniel struggled to understand all that was in his own book (Dan 12:8), but Wilson gives the diligent reader every opportunity to understand as much as possible. Daniel is not for the faint hearted, nor is this commentary. But it is a most illuminating guide along the way.”
—Peter Barnes, dean, Emmanuel College
“For most Bible-believing Christians, Daniel 7–12 is perplexing and, at times, unintelligible. We need a teacher who can guide us carefully and wisely through its theological labyrinth and the many conflicting interpretations. Built upon years of careful research and deep reflection, Michael Wilson’s commentary is comprehensive, respectful to those whose opinions differ from his own, and above all submissive to the authority of the text.”
—Michael Raiter, director, Centre for Biblical Preaching
“This is an exceedingly careful, detailed, and engaging treatment of Daniel 7–12 that leaves no exegetical stone unturned. But at the same time this work is just as determined to be holistic in its overall approach and conclusions, being helpfully overt with the application of Biblical Theology. Everyone who reads this book will learn something new—I know I have. Highly recommended!”
—David Kummerow, senior lecturer in Old Testament, Trinity Theological College
“In this second volume of his commentary on the book of Daniel, Michael Wilson provides a comprehensive, yet readable, analysis of chapters 7–12. The nuances and contours of the text are carefully explored, and Wilson displays a deft hand at navigating interpretative cruxes. The result is a rich and eminently persuasive reading of Daniel’s apocalyptic visions. Readers looking for a guide through this tricky terrain will be well served.”
—Geoff Harper, lecturer in Old Testament, Sydney Missionary and Bible College
“Michael Wilson has done us an enormous service by producing this second volume of his commentary on the book of Daniel. Detailed and extensive in his discussion, Wilson is also careful, judicious, and nuanced. His work exhibits a vast knowledge of modern scholarship, ancient Near Eastern background, and, importantly, an extensive discussion of the background and use of words and themes in Daniel based thoroughly on their provenance in the Scriptures. This is an erudite and scholarly commentary rooted in the Scriptures.”
—Martin Pakula, lecturer in Hebrew and Old Testament, Presbyterian Theological College
“Many believers are living in increasingly antagonistic contexts. However, many are confused with how to live faithfully in the face of such hostility. Wilson’s The Future for God’s People in a Conflict-Ravaged World: Daniel 7–12 seamlessly applies the truths of Daniel to our contemporary context. Wilson makes deep theological truths accessible and shows how ancient doctrines can transform modern people. For anyone who seeks to thoughtfully engage with Daniel and mine it for all its worth, Wilson’s commentary is a must-read!”
—James Jeffery, reviewer, AP Magazine
“This is a well-researched and detailed commentary, carefully guiding the reader scene-by-scene through the second half of Daniel 7–12. Such guidance is welcome for this apocalyptic section of Scripture in which the imagery is difficult to understand and fraught with danger of misinterpretation. Wilson provides a wealth of ancient Near Eastern background imagery and intertextual connections with other parts of Scripture to help interpret each passage. A study guide with questions for each chapter is also provided, for personal use, small group, or formal study.”
—John de Jong, senior lecturer in biblical studies, Laidlaw College
“In our troubled and confused world, we desperately need God’s truth to understand our times and to know how to live. Michael Wilson’s commentary on Daniel 7–12 opens up this portion of Scripture as a vital part of God’s answer to our need. It is an excellent commentary: well-researched and digging deeply into the Bible; easy-to-read, stimulating, and coherent; focusing on God’s message to his people then and now.”
—John Coulson, lecturer in Bible, Brisbane School of Theology
“Michael Wilson’s commentary on Daniel 7–12 is a superb resource. It provides faithful and wise guidance through these intricate chapters, giving important historical background and detailed interaction with the main scholarly interpretations. Wilson adeptly shows how Daniel’s visions unfold to expose the blasphemous nature of anti-God human rule and the challenges awaiting God’s people. Yet as terrifying as earthly kingdoms become, Daniel encourages God’s people to remain confident that God is sovereign and only his kingdom will last forever.”
—Anthony R. Petterson, lecturer in Old Testament and biblical Hebrew, Morling College
“The Future for God’s People in a Conflict-Ravaged World is a storehouse of insights from years of teaching the book of Daniel. Michael Wilson digests a wide range of scholarship, addresses nearly every debated point, and shows a refreshing willingness to argue for lesser-known interpretations without being obscure. This book is a thoughtful deep dive into the historical context and historical implications of Daniel while arguing ultimately for an eschatological interpretation.”
—Stephen Lewis, lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew, Reformed Theological College
“Michael Kenneth Wilson’s commentary on the last six chapters of Daniel gives illuminating insight in their structure and helps to understand their content and abiding message. Especially helpful is the way in which he shows that a great deal of these chapters found an initial fulfillment in the time of the Maccabees but its final and principal fulfillment is in the person Jesus Christ and the events related with his coming.”
—Pieter de Vries, lecturer, Godsvrucht en wetenschap
“Rich in scholarship and insight, Michael Wilson’s careful and conservative reading of the text is particularly valuable in the way it relates the book of Daniel to the broader context of both Testaments of the Bible. Specifically, the sections in each chapter, ‘Points of Contact with the New Testament and Life,’ make a significant contribution. The Future for God’s People in a Conflict-Ravaged World proves a fitting companion to Wilson’s previous volume The Lives of the Wise in an Anti-God World.”
—Len Firth, lecturer in professional supervision, Ridley College
“This book is the fruit of the author’s extensive research on the book of Daniel, and it bears all the hallmarks of an influential teaching career and many years of insightful intercultural experience. One of the book’s undeniable strengths is its comprehensive guidance in enriching our understanding of the true meaning of each chapter. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who is willing to embark on a journey to learn the biblical world of Daniel 7–12.”
—Sehoon Jang, associate professor of Old Testament, Hapdong Theological Seminary
“Michael Wilson’s The Future for God’s People in a Conflict-Ravaged World is a trustworthy guide through the sometimes-perilous waters of Daniel 7–12. He offers a reading that capably navigates the eddies of the historical context and shoals of other-worldly imagery, all with a careful eye on the tides of scholarship. It is judicious, carefully reasoned, and avoids the excesses so common when interpreting Daniel. It is also deeply Christian.”
—Nathan Lovell, director of research, George Whitfield College
“In this second volume of his commentary on Daniel, Michael Wilson continues his careful attention to the text, reading it in the light of ancient Near Eastern literature, Second Temple Jewish writings, and, above all, the fuller revelation in the New Testament. Here is a rich resource for those preparing to preach on this timely book, set, as it is, against the background of the hostility of world governments towards God and his people. Wilson combines depth of research with insightful application.”
—John A. Davies, honorary research associate, Sydney College of Divinity
“In a world plagued by uncertainty, the book of Daniel shines with relevance. But its complexity often leaves us perplexed. Enter Michael Wilson’s The Future for God’s People in a Conflict-Ravaged World. Wilson dissects scholarly views, builds a clear case, and delivers concise, practical wisdom. A must-have for scholars, preachers, and Christians seeking clarity amidst chaos.”
—Sam Chan, national communicator, City Bible Forum
“Distinctively evangelical books on Daniel are hard to find, which is why I commend Michael Wilson’s second volume. The commentary on Daniel 7–12 argues for an early date for the book as a whole and provides a detailed guide to scholarly literature on the book. The major interpretive issues are fairly and sympathetically evaluated. Wilson identifies the message of the book as the need for God’s people to endure and remain faithful despite unjust suffering. This makes it a timely book for today.”
—Lindsay Wilson, senior lecturer in Old Testament, Ridley College
- Title: The Future for God's People in a Conflict-Ravaged World: Daniel 7–12
- Author: Michael Kenneth Wilson
- Publisher: Resource Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9798385206186, 9798385206179, 9798385206162
- Resource ID: LLS:9798385206186
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-01-02T21:46:21Z
Michael Kenneth Wilson, now retired, has taught at various theological colleges for over thirty years, lecturing on the Bible, cross-cultural ministry, and a Christian understanding of Buddhism. With his family, he served in Pakistan for seven years. He is the author of The Lives of the Wise in an Anti-God World: Daniel 1–6 and also Changing Lanes, Crossing Cultures.