Daniel: An Introduction and Study Guide; Sovereignty, Human and Divine (T&T Clark’s Study Guides to the Old Testament)

by Ernest Lucas

Publisher:

T&T Clark

, 2023

Overview

Introducing students to the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament, Ernest Lucas examines the book’s structure and characteristics. He covers the latest in biblical scholarship, including historical and interpretive issues, and considers a range of scholarly approaches. Lucas shows how understanding of the book is enhanced by considering it in the context of Mesopotamian culture, literature, and religion. He also evaluates different arguments concerning the authorship, date, and provenance of the book.

In particular, the guide focuses on illuminating the book’s relationship to both the tradition of Hebrew prophecy and the later development of Jewish apocalyptic literature. It also highlights the importance of understanding the Book of Daniel as “resistance literature”, which intended to encourage faithful Jews to resist the pressures of conformity to the pagan culture in which they lived, and to endure through persecution if necessary.

With suggestions of further reading at the end of each chapter, this guide will be an essential accompaniment to study of the Book of Daniel.

Key Features

• Examines the book’s structure and characteristics.
• Covers the latest in biblical scholarship, including historical and interpretive issues.
• Evaluates different arguments concerning the authorship, date, and provenance of the book.

Contents

• 1. Daniel: The Book
• 2. Prophecy and Apocalyptic
• 3. The Sage
• 4. Resistance Literature
• 5. Who, When and Where?
• 6. The Additions
• Bibliography
• Index

Praise for Daniel

With clarity and insight, Ernest Lucas guides readers through the key issues involved in the interpretation of Daniel. Lucas’ deep awareness of the sources shines through, as does his judicious assessment of the main debates. A real strength of this study guide is that he not only tells readers about the book of Daniel, he provides a path for them to read and engage with it themselves, making this a vital resource for those who study and teach Daniel.

—David G. Firth, Trinity College Bristol, UK and University of the Free State, South Africa

I doubt if there is a book in the Old Testament that is more confusing than Daniel, and when scholars seek to explain the book, they can easily make the situation worse. Dr Lucas is the exception. He cannot alter the fact that studying Daniel is a challenge. He does introduce Daniel as straightforwardly, intelligibly, and reliably as anyone could.

—John Goldingay, Fuller Theological Seminary, USA

Product Details

• Title: Daniel: Sovereignty, Human and Divine: An Introduction and Study Guide
• Author: Ernest Lucas
• Series: T&T Clark Study Guides to the Old Testament
• Publisher: T&T Clark
• Print Publication Date: 2023
• Logos Release Date: 2025
• Pages: 108
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. O.T. Daniel › Criticism, interpretation, etc
• ISBNs: 9780567693563, 9780567676849, 9780567676856, 0567676838, 0567676846, 0567676854, 9780567676832, 0567693562
• Resource ID: LLS:DNLNNTRLDTSTMNT
• Resource Type: text.monograph.bible-study
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-09-02T22:07:54Z

About Ernest Lucas

Ernest Lucas worked in biochemical research for a few years before studying theology at Oxford University and becoming ordained as a Baptist minister. He has been the minister of churches in Durham and Liverpool. While at Liverpool, he was awarded a Ph.D. by the university there for his research on the book of Daniel. For several years he worked as Educational Director and the Associate Director at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. In 1994 he moved to Bristol Baptist College, an Affiliated College of Bristol University, where he is Vice-Principal and Tutor in Biblical Studies.