Anticipating The End Times: A Concise Commentary on the Book of Daniel – Malcolm C. Davis

Given the number of works already available on the prophecy of Daniel, some may question whether another book is needed. Those who read this commentary will readily appreciate that it fills a place in the market by providing a concise summary of Daniel, giving an overview of the book, covering the main points of its interpretation, and, where certainty of interpretation is not possible, summarizing the main alternative views, for example when dealing with the ‘king of fierce countenance’ in chapter 8.

The book is written from a clear pre-millennial stance: the principle which the author has followed is ‘to interpret literally wherever possible’. Obviously symbolical passages have been treated as referring to actual people and events, rather than to vague abstract ideas. He understands that this prophecy covers the beginning, course, and ending of that period known as the ‘times of the Gentiles’, and that it confirms the sovereignty of God over the affairs of mankind.

What is also stressed throughout is that prophecy is not given in order to satisfy our curiosity, but should have an impact on the way we live. Throughout this work there is, therefore, a repeated challenge to let its message affect behaviour, not least in imitating the character of Daniel himself. Chapter 13, ‘Daniel’s spiritual legacy for believers today’, is therefore just as important as the preceding twelve chapters.

All those factors necessary for an understanding of this prophecy are noted: for example, those passages written in Hebrew and in Aramaic; the comparison and contrast between Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in chapter 2 and the vision of the beasts in chapter 7; and the significance of the Seventy Weeks. Above all, this book is a balanced work which will enable the reader to gain a perspective on this vital prophecy, and to be encouraged by the fact that ‘the Most High ruleth in the kingdoms of men’.

[Our thanks to Ed Hotchin, Hucknall, Nottingham, England, for this review]