Daniel (Evangelical Press Study Commentary | EPSC)

by Allan M. Harman

Publisher:

Evangelical Press

, 2007

Overview

As humans we can never fully understand the mind of God, but he has revealed what is necessary for us to know of himself and his ways. God has given us sufficient teaching to encourage us to persevere, but we are also able to look forward with expectancy. The book of Daniel has inspired Christians throughout the centuries to faithful and obedient service in the face of danger and persecution.

Daniel and his companions were living far from their own homes and land, in a culture that was dominated by a faith situation completely antagonistic to their own, yet they remained conscious of their continuing commitment to the God of Israel. While occupying significant posts in the Babylonian Empire, they refused to abandon their loyalty to and trust in God—sometimes at great personal cost—and were prepared to die rather than renounce their faith.

Faced with the might of Babylon, the exiles might have been tempted to doubt whether the God of Israel was truly God, or whether there was any hope for his covenant people. However, the prophecies revealed to Daniel assured them—and Christians today—that, though human kingdoms will continue to rise and fall, and despite seeming setbacks from time to time, God’s kingdom will ultimately prevail and he will be acknowledged as the Sovereign Ruler over all.

For readers today, as for God’s people of old, the book of Daniel calls us to dedicated commitment to God and his kingdom. In everything, Christ must have the supremacy and we eagerly wait for the final revelation of his glory.

Key Features

• Discusses the structure and theology of the book of Daniel
• Provides verse-by-verse commentary
• Draws connections between Daniel and the New Testament

Contents

• Introductory Matters
• Part 1: Daniel’s Ministry in Babylon (1:1–6:28)
  • The Setting in Babylon (1:1–21)
  • The Destinies of Kingdoms (2:1–6:28)
    • Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (2:1–49)
    • Babylonian Idolatry (3:1–30)
    • Nebuchadnezzar’s Proclamation and Dream (4:1–37)
    • Belshazzar’s Feast (5:1–31)
    • Daniel’s Deliverance (6:1–28)
• Part 2: Daniel’s Visions in Babylon (7:1–12:13)
  • Apocalyptic Literature—An Introduction
  • Daniel’s Night Vision and Its Interpretation (7:1–28)
  • The Vision of the Ram, the Goat and the Little Horn (8:1–27)
  • The Vision of Seventy Sevens (9:1–27)
  • The Final Vision (10:1–12:13)

Praise for the Print Edition

. . . this is a helpful exposition of a portion of Scripture that seems confusing to many.

—Peace and Truth

Another fine contribution to the ongoing EP Study Commentary series, and following the same format. It is thought-provoking stuff and a worthy volume to stand in this series—strongly recommended.

—English Churchman

This is an elegant commentary on a potentially difficult book of the Bible. . . . There are sensible and helpful introductory articles and a lucid commentary on the text. Harman’s experience shows through with a careful explanation of the text, always aware of previous commentators but not in thrall to any of them. For preachers the clear, and thoughtfully laid-out exposition of the passage is augmented by a limited application section at the end of each chapter. If you want one general commentary on Daniel, this would be a good one to go for.

—Clive Alder, pastor, Holyhead Baptist Church, North Wales

Product Details

• Title: A Study Commentary on Daniel
• Author: Allan Harman
• Publisher: Evangelical Press
• Publication Date: 2007
• Pages: 333

About Allan M. Harman

Allan Macdonald Harman (born 7 June 1936) is an Australian Presbyterian theologian and Old Testament scholar. He has been described as a “well-known and highly regarded figure in Christian and especially evangelical circles within Australia and overseas.” Harman was born in Lismore, New South Wales and attended Taree High School and Sydney University. He then studied overseas, at the University of Edinburgh and Westminster Theological Seminary.