The Book of Daniel

This study of the book of Daniel in the Old Testament elucidates its theological meaning with a concern for Christian edification. Gallagher situates the book in its ancient Jewish context, considers the history of interpretation, and applies the text to the modern world. Such a task is relatively straightforward-though not without its own surprises-for Daniel’s first six chapters, which contain justly famous stories about resistance to empire and its allures that have captivated Sunday school children for generations. The last six chapters of Daniel are another story, often either ignored by Christians or the object of obsessive speculation about the End Times. Gallagher navigates these difficult waters by insisting that readers pay attention to the big picture of the visions, the meaning of which can be discerned with some confidence, rather than wrangling about obscure points. Above all, the apocalyptic visions depict the ultimate victory of God over the forces of evil, including death. After a brief but helpful introduction to Daniel, there follows one lesson for each of Daniel’s twelve chapters. Packed with historical information, devotional illustrations, and reflection questions, plus original drawings by Josiah Gallagher illustrating each chapter, this book would work well for personal or small group studies of Daniel’s powerful vision of radical faith in a hostile world.