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For more great commentaries on Daniel, be sure to check:
Commentaries on the Prophets, Commentaries on the Whole Old Testament
& Whole Bible Commentaries
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Order of Contents
The Best
. Commentaries 5
. On the Major Prophetic Passages 5
More
. Commentaries 15
. On the Major Prophetic Passages 15
Early Church 2
Life & Times of Daniel 5
Chapters in Daniel
For Young People 2
In Latin 1
Authenticity of 8
Characters in:
Nebuchadnezzar 1
Belshazzar 2
Darius 1
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The Best Commentaries on Daniel
Intermediate
Barnes, Albert – Notes on Daniel 1800’s
Barnes was an American, Northern, New School Presbyterian and a Historicist.
*** – “Dr. Wardlaw said of this work: ‘I have examined the ‘Notes’ of the Rev. Albert Barnes on a considerable variety of testing passages; and, so far as my examination has gone, I feel confident in pronouncing them to be characterized in no ordinary degree, by discriminative judgment, sound theology, unostentatious learning, practical wisdom, and evangelical piety.'” – Spurgeon
Cowles, Henry – Daniel with Notes, Critical, Explanatory and Practical, Designed for both Pastors and People 1867
*** – “In his own way this author is one of the most instructive of American writers; he is clear and definite, and leaves his meaning impressed upon the mind. His scholarship is respectable.” – Spurgeon
Rule, William – Historical Exposition of Daniel 1869
*** – “A notably interesting exposition, bringing historical facts and memorials to bear upon the prophecy. It is not merely readable, but attractive.” – Spurgeon
Young, E.J.
Book
The Prophecy of Daniel: a Commentary Buy 1977 332 pp.
Young was one of the great early Westminster Seminary scholars.
Articles
‘Daniel’s Vision of the Son of Man’ 1958 20 pp. a Lecture
‘Daniel’ 1965 70 pp. in Old Testament Prophecy, pp. 151-220 Buy 1965 220 pp. Young treats of Daniel generally, the Four Empires and the Seventy Weeks.
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Advanced
Keil, C.F. – Commentary on Daniel
*** – “We have just had occasion to make ourselves acquainted with Keil’s book on Daniel, and we can speak of it in very high terms. It is marked by great erudition, rare accuracy, and much spiritual thoughtfulness.” – Evangelical Magazine, quoted by Spurgeon
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The Best on the Major Prophetic Passages of Daniel
Intermediate
Fairbairn, Patrick – ‘Prophecies in Daniel Concerning Messiah’s Kingdom in its Relation to the Kingdoms of this World’ and ‘The Antichrist as Represented in Daniel both Typically and Antitypically’ 1866 22 pp. total, in Prophecy, pp. 290-305 & 337-344
Fairbairn a professor of the Free Church of Scotland.
Harrison, Benjamin – Prophetic Outlines of the Christian Church and the Antichristian power as traced in the visions of Daniel and St. John: in twelve lectures preached… 1849
*** – “We like the manner of this book. The author has been content throughout to trace the true outline of interpretation without entering on a detailed examination of counter theories; and he has done this in the spirit of Bishop Ridley, who said upon a kindred subject, ‘Sir, in these matters I am so fearful, that I dare not speak further than the very text doth, as it were, lead my by the hand.” – Spurgeon
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Advanced
Elliott, E.B. – Horae Apocalypticae: A Commentary on the Apocalypse, Critical and Historical, Including also an Examination of the Chief Prophecies of Daniel…, vol. 1, 2, 3, 4 2nd ed. 1846
Elliott (1793-1875) wrote here the most exhaustive historicist defense and exposition of the Book of Revelation, building upon all the commentators before him. The last volume includes a critique of all of the other main interpretations of Revelation. He was a historicist premillennial (as was Charles Spurgeon who has commended it). ‘Horae Apocalypticae’ in the title means ‘of the hours of the Apocalypse’.
Elliott does not have a separate section on passages from Daniel, but his interpretation of them are scattered throughout his work, and Spurgeon places it as relevant to Daniel.
*** “The standard work on the subject.” – Spurgeon
Hengstenberg, E.W. – ‘Messianic Predictions in Daniel’ 1868 182 pp. in The Christology of the Old Testament, vol. 3, pp. 82-264 Hengstenberg comments on chs: 7:13-14 & 9:24-27.
Pusey, E.B. – Daniel the Prophet: 9 Lectures with copious notes 1864
Pusey, on the one hand, was a leading conservative scholar that defended the historicity of Daniel. On the other hand, he was a high-church Anglican who had his own following: the Puseyites. This work not only deals with scholarly background on Daniel, but also interprets the major prophetic sections.
*** – “To Dr. Pusey’s work on Daniel all subsequent writers must be deeply indebted, however much they differ from him in other departments of theological study.” – Spurgeon
‘An extensive, scholarly treatment. Amillennial.’ – Cyril J. Barber
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More Commentaries on Daniel
The Reformation
Beckwith, Carl – Reformation Commentary on Scripture: Ezekiel, Daniel Buy
Calvin, John – Commentary on Daniel
*** – Spurgeon
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1600’s
Huit, Ephraim – The Whole Prophecy of Daniel Explained, by a Paraphrase, analysis and brief comment: wherein the several visions showed to the prophet are clearly interpreted, and the application thereof vindicated against dissenting opinions 1643
** “Huit’s short doctrinal summaries of the verses will bring useful subjects before the preacher’s mind; otherwise Huit is not very remarkable.” – Spurgeon
Willlet, Andrew – A Six-fold commentary upon the Most Divine Prophecy of Daniel 1610
Willet (1562–1621)
** – “Dr. Williams says that this is a work of much information, as it contains the ‘opinions of many authors on each point of difficulty.’ He adds that in none of his expositions does Willet ‘discover more skill and judgment than in the present work.'” – Spurgeon
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Intermediate
1800’s
Kelly, William – Notes on the Book of Daniel 1870
** “It needs minds of a peculiar organization to enjoy Plymouth writings. They abound in peculiar phraseology, which only the initiated can understand. We are sorry to see such a mind as Mr. Kelly’s so narrowed to party bounds.” – Spurgeon
Knox, J. – Reflections on Daniel 1849
** “This book is unknown to us.” – Spurgeon
Strong, Leonard – Lectures on the Book of Daniel 1871 Each chapter of Daniel is covered in a consecutive lecture.
** “Notes of instructive lectures.” – Spurgeon
Stuart, Moses – Commentary on the Book of Daniel 1850
Stuart (1780-1852) was an American partial-preterist.
** – “Stuart gives quite an independent interpretation, and fails to see the Pope and his Cardinals in Daniel, for which we like him all the better. We do not accept his conclusions, but he is always worthy of respect.” – Spurgeon
Tatford, Frederick – Studies in the Prophecy of Daniel Buy Reprinted by Klock & Klock
Taylor, William – Daniel the Beloved 1878 260 pp.
Taylor (1829–1895) was a Scottish Presbyterian who later ministered in America at Broadway Tabernacle Congregationalist Church in New York.
“A relevant, timely study.” – Cyril J. Barber
Wilson, Joseph – Horae Propheticae, or Dissertations on the Book of the Prophet Daniel 1824 The Latin means ‘Hours of Prophecy’.
** – “We consider this to be of more than average worth.” – Spurgeon
Wright, Charles H. – Studies in Daniel’s Prophecy Buy Reprinted by Klock & Klock
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1900’s
Kirk, Thomas – Daniel, the Prophet Buy 1906 363 pp. Reprinted by Klock & Klock
‘Expository sermons which abound in practical application and ably counter [Samuel] Driver’s higher critical theories.’ – Cyril J. Barber
Leupold, H.C. – Exposition of Daniel Buy
Leupold (b. 1891) was an orthodox Lutheran and a professor of the Old Testament.
‘A scholarly work form a conservative amillennial viewpoint. Of particular value for its exegetical treatment of the text.’ – Cyril J. Barber
Veldkamp, Herman – Dreams and Dictators Buy 1979 251 pp.
Veldkamp is a Dutch Reformed pastor who has written on a number of the minor prophets.
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Advanced
Wintle, Thomas – Daniel, an Improved Version Attempted, with a Preliminary Dissertation, and Notes Critical, Historical and Explanatory 1792 The commentary begins on p. 124 of 356.
* – “Learned notes, mainly philological, with a translation on the plan of Lowth.” – Spurgeon
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More on the Major Prophetic Passages of Daniel
1600’s
Broughton, Hugh – An Apology in brief assertions defending that our Lord died in the time properly foretold to Daniel 1592
Broughton was a reformed Anglican.
* – “This author was pedantic and eccentric, but yet a man of real learning. His works have almost disappeared. In his own day some considered him a sage and others a quack. He was a little of both.” – Spurgeon
Parker, Thomas – The Visions and Prophecies of Daniel Expounded ToC 1646
Parker (1595–1677) an English, Reformed, nonconforming clergyman and a founder of Newbury, Massachusetts.
* – “This learned book is enough to perplex and distract any ordinary mortal, but probably Dr. Cumming and brethren of his school would revel in it. We had sooner read a table of logarithms.” – Spurgeon
More, Henry – A Plain and Continued Exposition of the Several Prophecies or divine visions of the prophet Daniel 1681
* – “If a man had no more than More on Daniel he would certainly long for more, and need a work more spiritual and more suggestive.” – Spurgeon
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Historic, 1700’s
Newton, Sir Isaac – Observations upon the Prophecies of Daniel and the Apocalypse of St. John d. 1727
Newton was the famous scientist and an Anglican who had a penchant for Biblical chronology and historicist eschatology.
** – “The author’s name will always keep this book in repute. The spiritual student will not glean much from it. Sir Isaac’s fame does not rest on his expositions. The following extract we cannot forbear inserting in this place:
‘The folly of interpreters has been, to foretell times and and things by this prophecy [the Apocalypse], as if God designed to make them prophets. By this rashness they have not only exposed themselves, but brought the prophecy also into contempt. The design of God was much otherwise. He gave this and the prophecies of the Old Testament, not to gratify men’s curiosities by enabling them to foreknow things, but that after they were fulfilled they might be interpreted by the event; and his own providence, not the interpreter’s wisdom, be then manifested thereby to the world.'”
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Popular
Irving, Edward – Babylon and Infidelity Foredoomed by God; a Discourse on Daniel and the Apocalypse, which relate to these latter times 1826
** “More of rolling sound than anything else.” – Spurgeon
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Intermediate
1700’s
Amner, Richard – An Essay towards an Interpretation of the Prophecies of Daniel 1776
* – “Written on the absurd hypothesis that the prophecies were all fulfilled before the death of Antiochus Epiphanes.” – Spurgeon
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1800’s
Birks, T.R.
** – Spurgeon
The Two Later Visions of Daniel Historically Explained 1846
** – “We must leave judgment upon this work and the preceding one to those skilled in prophetic interpretation.” – Spurgeon
Godet, Frederic – ‘Daniel’ & ‘On the Four Monarchies and the Seventy Weeks’ 1882 21 pp. in Studies in the Old Testament, pp. 171-182 & 333-343
Roos, Magnus – Exposition of such of the Prophecies of Daniel as receive their accomplishment under the New Testament 1811 trans. by E. Henderson
*** – “Dr. Henderson gently chides those who are not sufficiently intent upon prophetical interpretation. There would be fewer of such delinquents if expositors were more reasonable. Roos, however, is dull to a dreadful degree: we should say that nobody ever read him through, except his translator. He is very devout, and this is the saving point about his book. We cannot tell whether the views of Roos are correct or not, for we cannot keep awake while reading him. As far as we have gone we have seen some reason to question.” – Spurgeon
Tregelles, S. Prideaux – Remarks on the Prophetic Visions in the Book of Daniel, with Notes on Prophetic Interpretation in Connection with Popery 1864
Tregelles (1813–1875)
** – “Tregelles is deservedly regarded as a great authority upon prophetical subjects.” – Spurgeon
‘A premillennial work based upon a thorough knowledge of the original text. Contains some exceptional material.’
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1900’s
Payne, J. Barton – “The Goal of Daniel’s Seventy weeks,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 21.2 (June 1978): 97-115
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Advanced
Auberlen, Carl August – The Prophecies of Daniel and the Revelations of St. John, viewed in their mutual relations, with an exposition of the principal passages 1856 Trans. by Adolph Saphir, a Free Churchman
** – “Not a textual commentary, but a treatise upon the mysterious prophecies. Auberlen’s spirit is reverential and his views are evangelical, or we should not have found Mr. Saphir translating it. He acknowledges his indebtedness to Roos [below]. We must leave the interpretations to be judged by those who are learned in such subjects.” – Spurgeon
‘An informative study by a distinguished Swiss theologian.’ – Cyril J. Barber
Blayney, Benjamin – Zechariah, a New Translation with Notes, critical, philological and explanatory, with a Dissertation on Dan. 9:20 to the End 1797 206 pp.
Blayney (1728–1801) was an English divine and Hebraist.
Manchester, George Montague – The Times of Daniel, Chronological, and Prophetical, Examined with Relation to the Point of Contact between Sacred and Profane Chronology 1845
* “This work has received the most enthusiastic praise from German writers, who dwell with pleasure upon his being ‘erudite and illustrious’. The duke’s writing is certainly sui generis [of its own kind]. He is by no means a favorite author with us.” – Spurgeon
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The Early Church on Daniel
Compilation
Stevenson, Kenneth & Michael Glerup – Ancient Commentary on Scripture: Ezekiel, Daniel Buy
Individual Father
Jerome – Commentary on Daniel Buy
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The Life and Times of Daniel
Devotional & Practical
Whyte, Alexander – Daniel in Bible Characters d. 1921
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Intermediate
Anonymous – Daniel: Statesman and Prophet (London: Religious Tract Society, n.d.)
** – “A valuable popular addition to the literature of the book of Daniel. Objections to its authenticity and inspiration are met, and the assaults of infidels are made to bring out the evidences of Divine authority with all the greater clearness. We are delighted with the volume, which is beautifully got up. Every student and minister should have a copy.”
Deane, Henry – Daniel: His Life and Times 1888
“Valuable for its historic material.” – Cyril J. Barber
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Advanced
Boutflower, Charles – In and Around the Book of Daniel 1923 360 pp.
‘Contains excellent historical material.’ – Cyril J. Barber
Dougherty, Raymond Philip – Nabonidus and Belshazzar: a Study of the Closing Events of the Neo-Babylonian Empire Buy 1929
‘A valuable reconstruction of events which proves conclusively the coregency of these kings and verifies the historical reliability of Daniel.’ – Cyril J. Barber
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The First Half of Daniel
1800’s
Miles, Charles Popham – Lectures, Expository and Practical, on the Book of the Prophet Daniel with Copious Notes, vol. 1 (1-6), 2 (7) on chs. 1-7 1840-1
** “Commendable sermons and good notes.” – Spurgeon
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1900’s
De Graaf, S.G. – ‘Captivity’ 1977 27 pp. in Promise and Deliverance, vol. 2: The Failure of Israel’s Theocracy, pp. 399-426 De Graaf surveys Dan. 1-6.
De Graff is a Dutch Reformed author who focuses on the unfolding of the Covenant through history. He writes in an easy to read, but insightful style.
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Daniel 7
Du Moulin, Pierre – The Prophecy Contained in Dan. 7 1613 26 pp.
Moulin (1568–1658) was a Huguenot minister in France.
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Daniel 11-12
* – “This exposition and the author’s commentary on Canticles are appended to his work on Revelation, and do not appear to have been published separately. In his title-page Brightman is called a bright and worthy man, and in the preface we are told that ‘he shined every way and was a Brightman indeed.’ His work is rather a curiousity tan a treasure.” – Spurgeon
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Commentaries on Daniel for Young People
Coleman, Thomas – Decision, Exemplified in Daniel
* “This is by the author of ‘Memorials of Independent Churches’. It is intended for children and is suitable for them.” – Spurgeon
Gaussen, Louis – The Prophet Daniel Explained, vol. 1, 2 1873/4
Gaussen was a Swiss Reformed minister.
*** – “This is a work for children only. We hope it will not set our Sunday School teachers explaining to their little ones the image and its toes, the he-goat, and all the other marvels. If they do attempt it we wish them as well through their task as Professor Gaussen.” – Spurgeon
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Daniel Commentary in Latin
Broughton, Hugh – Commentary on Daniel 1599
Broughton was a reformed Anglican.
* – “This author was pedantic and eccentric, but yet a man of real learning. His works have almost disappeared. In his own day some considered him a sage and others a quack. He was a little of both.” – Spurgeon
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On the Authenticity of Daniel
Intermediate
Articles
Tregelles, S. Prideaux – Defense of the Authenticity of the Book of Daniel 1852 80 pp.
Tregelles (1813–1875)
** – “Tregelles is deservedly regarded as a great authority upon prophetical subjects.” – Spurgeon
Wilson, Robert D. – The Present State of the Daniel Controversy n.d. 20 pp.
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Books
Wilson, Joseph – Did Daniel write Daniel? The Genuineness and Authenticity of the Book of Daniel Discussed n.d. 170 pp.
Wilson was a professor of History in the seminary of the Reformed Episcopal Church.
Anderson, Robert
Daniel in the Critics’ Den: a Reply to Dean [F.W.] Farrar’s ‘Book of Daniel’ 1902 170 pp.
Daniel in the Critics’ Den: a Reply to Professor [Samuel] Driver of Oxford n.d. 200 pp.
Urquhart, John – ‘The Book of Daniel’ & ‘Archdeacon [F.W.] Farrar on Daniel’ 1895 236 pp. being chs. 5-16 & the appendix of The Inspiration and Accuracy of the Holy Scriptures
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Advanced
Hengstenberg, E.W. – Dissertations on the Genuineness of Daniel and the Integrity of Zechariah 1848
** – “Much valuable matter is brought out by the discussion; but few of us have time to go into it, or any need to do so; for we are fully persuaded of the integrity of all the prophets, and of their books too.” – Spurgeon
Pusey, E.B. – Daniel the Prophet: 9 Lectures with copious notes 1864
Pusey, on the one hand, was a leading conservative scholar that defended the historicity of Daniel. On the other hand, he was a high-church Anglican who had his own following: the Puseyites.
*** – “To Dr. Pusey’s work on Daniel all subsequent writers must be deeply indebted, however much they differ from him in other departments of theological study.” – Spurgeon
Wilson, Robert D. – Studies in Daniel: a Discussion of the Historical Questions 1917 425 pp.
‘Contains a detailed analysis of the historical and textual questions raised regarding the historicity and integrity of Daniel, with a detailed refutation. A most valuable work!’ – Cyril J. Barber
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Nebuchadnezzar
Whyte, Alexander – Nebuchadnezzar in Bible Characters d. 1921
Whyte, the popular United Free Church of Scotland professor, writes devotionally and practically.
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Belshazzar
Whyte, Alexander – Belshazzar in Bible Characters d. 1921
Dougherty, Raymond Philip – Nabonidus and Belshazzar: a Study of the Closing Events of the Neo-Babylonian Empire Buy 1929
‘A valuable reconstruction of events which proves conclusively the coregency of these kings and verifies the historical reliability of Daniel.’ – Cyril J. Barber
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Darius
Whitcomb, John C. – Darius the Mede: a Study in Historical Identification Buy 1959
‘A brilliant study which ably blends archaeological discoveries and historical data into a most thought-provoking work.’ – Cyril J. Barber
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