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The Bible Speaks Today: Old Testament
The Message of Daniel
Preaching's Preacher's Guide to the Best Bible Reference for 2014 (Old Testament Commentaries)
A replacement volume in the Bible Speaks Today Old Testament commentary series, Dale Ralph Davis's The Message of Daniel offers a reliable exposition of the visionary book of Daniel for pastors and lay commentary readers.
A replacement volume in the Bible Speaks Today Old Testament commentary series, Dale Ralph Davis's The Message of Daniel offers a reliable exposition of the visionary book of Daniel for pastors and lay commentary readers.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1979
About the author
Dale Ralph Davis
34 books61 followersDale Ralph Davis is Minister in Residence, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina. Prior to that he was pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 16, 2023
There is not a Davis commentary I have not loved and this is no exception.
July 29, 2021
Davis expounds the book of Daniel such that it becomes to us what it was meant to be to Israelites in ca. 530 BC: “a realistic survival manual for the saints.”
A survival manual for remaining faithful and encouraged while meaningfully engaging in a culture that opposes your faith. There is perhaps no better time for Christians to take the book of Daniel to heart.
I could not believe how much I loved reading this. I will read as much from Davis as I can get my hands on!
A survival manual for remaining faithful and encouraged while meaningfully engaging in a culture that opposes your faith. There is perhaps no better time for Christians to take the book of Daniel to heart.
I could not believe how much I loved reading this. I will read as much from Davis as I can get my hands on!
September 14, 2023
Single spaced, dense, full of footnotes.
February 12, 2025
Dale Ralph Davis rarely disappoints and this work is no exception. It is a well-written work that distills careful scholarship down into a highly accessible and readable format. Likely the best introductory-level commentary on Daniel around.
May 23, 2025
Equal parts pastoral, academic, evangelistic, AND commentary, my man Dale Ralph Davis went crazy on this ole tome. I found this so helpful that I bought two copies to give away to students!
I'll be keeping this one close!
I'll be keeping this one close!
April 27, 2022
This commentary (and the book of Daniel itself) hit me at the right time in world history. Empires rise and fall, and the God of Daniel (and God’s people) outlasts them all.
July 26, 2023
Typical DRD: exposition clear and cogent, application concise and relevant. A great commentary.
December 30, 2021
Very immensely helpful book which was instrumental in an essay I was writing on the date of authorship of the book of Daniel and what its purpose was/is. Such a great emphasis on the sovereignty of God being displayed throughout it. Excellent commentary. Highly recommend.
July 6, 2022
NON-stimulating, as usual. Certainly not needed if you have Longman, Steinmann, and Goldingay. If you don't have them, and you need one, short, and cheap book, then it's certainly good option, Davis will be of some use, but don't expect too much. You can find used copy of Sinclair Ferguson's commentary and it's going to take you a bit further (or if you have IVP New Century commentary, that one will provide much more details). DR Davis takes amill approach, which happens to be mine too, but don't make too much out of it, he's not nearly as helpful as you would expect from a resource you'll have to pay for.
His absoluetely BEST insight was on Daniel 6 (I'm sharing it so now you don't need to buy it):
"This section carries a two-pronged message for Israel's exiles: see how gracious God is in giving you favour among your captors and even with kings, therefore, don't despair; and see how costly it may prove to remain faithful when you are favoured, therefore, don't make an idol out of human favour.
You can also find his sermon on Daniel 3 at sermonaudio: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninf...
His absoluetely BEST insight was on Daniel 6 (I'm sharing it so now you don't need to buy it):
"This section carries a two-pronged message for Israel's exiles: see how gracious God is in giving you favour among your captors and even with kings, therefore, don't despair; and see how costly it may prove to remain faithful when you are favoured, therefore, don't make an idol out of human favour.
You can also find his sermon on Daniel 3 at sermonaudio: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninf...
February 2, 2019
This commentary is not designed to be an in-depth analysis of history and culture like others are. Instead, Davis tries to write a book that could be read straight through and give you a whole and complete look at how your life should change as a result of reading Daniel. And I think he does this very well. He interweaves his book with tales from modern history that paint for you a more complete picture of what is going on, and he writes some great and powerful one liners. Some great examples:
"Faith knows the power of God [3:17], guards the freedom of God [3:18a], and holds the truth of God [3:18b]."
"The Fourth Man can always find his people." (This is in reference to the fiery furnace, and I think it packs a powerful punch, especially up here in Seattle where we have the Twelfth Man... the Fourth Man is so much more powerful!)
"Pay attention to what Belshazzar teaches you: having clear information does not guarantee the right response. He knew all this but did not humble his heart."
Talking about Daniel 6:1-28: "This section carries a two-pronged message for Israel's exiles: see how gracious God is in giving you favour among your captors and even with kings, therefore, don't despair; and see how costly it may prove to remain faithful when you are favoured, therefore, don't make an idol out of human favour.
This commentary proves to be an application or devotional style commentary, which in general I'm usually wary of. It takes a lot of work behind the scenes in proper grappling with the text to get those golden nuggets and present them rightly. Often times a work like this doesn't do all the behind the scenes work; what they present is the seemingly all the work they did. It is obvious in Davis' carefully written book, that he did take the time and effort to write this commentary in a way the properly addresses the text, and he gives life altering words to the importance of it.
There may be a few points I disagreed with him on, but I leave that to you to judge for yourself. This book is easy to ready, theologically sounds, and carries several powerful messages for believers.
To see more reviews check out my blog: This Sporadic Life
"Faith knows the power of God [3:17], guards the freedom of God [3:18a], and holds the truth of God [3:18b]."
"The Fourth Man can always find his people." (This is in reference to the fiery furnace, and I think it packs a powerful punch, especially up here in Seattle where we have the Twelfth Man... the Fourth Man is so much more powerful!)
"Pay attention to what Belshazzar teaches you: having clear information does not guarantee the right response. He knew all this but did not humble his heart."
Talking about Daniel 6:1-28: "This section carries a two-pronged message for Israel's exiles: see how gracious God is in giving you favour among your captors and even with kings, therefore, don't despair; and see how costly it may prove to remain faithful when you are favoured, therefore, don't make an idol out of human favour.
This commentary proves to be an application or devotional style commentary, which in general I'm usually wary of. It takes a lot of work behind the scenes in proper grappling with the text to get those golden nuggets and present them rightly. Often times a work like this doesn't do all the behind the scenes work; what they present is the seemingly all the work they did. It is obvious in Davis' carefully written book, that he did take the time and effort to write this commentary in a way the properly addresses the text, and he gives life altering words to the importance of it.
There may be a few points I disagreed with him on, but I leave that to you to judge for yourself. This book is easy to ready, theologically sounds, and carries several powerful messages for believers.
To see more reviews check out my blog: This Sporadic Life
August 1, 2016
Typical Davis
Clear, sane, biblical, balanced exposition of the book of Daniel.
Illustrated and applied well.
Some parts are heavier going than others, but thats due to the nature of Daniel; top class stuff.
Clear, sane, biblical, balanced exposition of the book of Daniel.
Illustrated and applied well.
Some parts are heavier going than others, but thats due to the nature of Daniel; top class stuff.
January 14, 2016
A reasonably sane commentary with plenty of anecdotes and illustrations for sermons. The author is scholarly, but does not ignore the practical lessons that can be deduced from the passage. If you like Dale Ralph Davis, you will like this book.
December 25, 2013
Here is my review on my blog:
http://mphilliber.blogspot.com/2013/1...
Mike
http://mphilliber.blogspot.com/2013/1...
Mike
April 19, 2014
Good, but seems to be a collection of sermons moulded into a commentary. Not all of your questions will be answered here, but that is not the aim of the BST series.
January 17, 2024
This is the best of the three commentaries I have read in the past few weeks on the book of Daniel. That does not mean that I completely agree with all Davis' conclusions, but in most cases he offers at least discussion of some of the common alternative conclusions. His historical context to both Daniel's life and the time periods covered by the prophecies is excellent. He offers some application - in my opinion about the right amount for a subject like this one.
Footnotes are many and they are published on the same page as the text they reference. This is good for me because one of the few irritations I have with his style is that some footnotes, too many, add to the discussion even if only as a parenthesis. This is as opposed to only documenting sources and perhaps commenting about what is contained in the source. I find it slightly irritating because it means I have to check every footnote so as not to miss important discussion. There are several instances where I found the discussion in the footnote as enlightening as the main text. I say it is good that it is on the same page because in books where the footnotes are at the end of the chapter or entire book, I would miss such discussions entirely. However, usually authors who use that style keep their discussions within the main text.
Davis offers little discussion of the main schools regarding the timing of Christ's Second Coming such as Premillennial and Amillennial. I don't remember any and didn't put any in my notes. Likewise, he is cautious about offering any definitive conclusions bearing on that timing. The most obvious place for such discussion would be regarding Daniel 9:24-27, the Seventy Weeks. Davis briefly mentions those who have assigned specific weeks to specific historical times, but offers instead that he sees the three major divisions (7, 42, 1) as schematic or relative periods of time, not literal as implied by the numbers. On the other hand, Davis does see many of the prophetic sections as referring to a distant future, or end time. He does not seem to support the idea that the church (representing the stone cut out without human hands) defeats the evil kingdom gradually over time.
Davis style is somewhat light for an exegetical commentary. There is a tiny bit of sass. Not irreverent, but contemporary. Also, he is much more humble than some commentators whom I have read. Some, especially referring to end times, seem dogmatic. Some barely treat alternative views while some openly scoff at them. Davis often begins a section admitting the inherent difficulties. He offers alternative views and sometimes avoids arriving definitively at the "correct" one. I like this mentality because I find it hard to believe that one author, short of a vision from God at the same level as Daniel's, can be dogmatic about much of anything on this subject. (And I also believe that the Bible warns against "adding" to it, meaning that new revelation is closed in that regard. However, I must be careful not to limit God, and I have heard credible stories of personal visions especially in areas completely cut off from the Gospel. I digress.)
This is not a long book. Davis does not begin each section with the actual biblical text, except in a very few places. Some verses are not quoted in entirety at all. There is no index either by subject or verse.
In my first pass at this review, I neglected to address Davis' handling of an issue that one can't ignore with the book of Daniel. Many critics say that this Biblical book cannot have been written in the 6th century BC as one would assume from a plain reading. The primary motive of the critics is that Daniel is too accurate in prophetic details. Davis is clear and detailed in his defense of the 6th century writing. I tend to gloss over that issue in my mind because if you don't accept the plain reading that the Daniel who was a prominent figure in Babylon received these visions at that time, then the Bible is not only not inherent, but it contains significant falsehoods. I would have no interest in the entirety in that case. In short, I take it as a matter of faith, but I am happy to have at my disposal facts and arguments to counter such criticisms.
I am probably not finished referencing portions of this book.
Footnotes are many and they are published on the same page as the text they reference. This is good for me because one of the few irritations I have with his style is that some footnotes, too many, add to the discussion even if only as a parenthesis. This is as opposed to only documenting sources and perhaps commenting about what is contained in the source. I find it slightly irritating because it means I have to check every footnote so as not to miss important discussion. There are several instances where I found the discussion in the footnote as enlightening as the main text. I say it is good that it is on the same page because in books where the footnotes are at the end of the chapter or entire book, I would miss such discussions entirely. However, usually authors who use that style keep their discussions within the main text.
Davis offers little discussion of the main schools regarding the timing of Christ's Second Coming such as Premillennial and Amillennial. I don't remember any and didn't put any in my notes. Likewise, he is cautious about offering any definitive conclusions bearing on that timing. The most obvious place for such discussion would be regarding Daniel 9:24-27, the Seventy Weeks. Davis briefly mentions those who have assigned specific weeks to specific historical times, but offers instead that he sees the three major divisions (7, 42, 1) as schematic or relative periods of time, not literal as implied by the numbers. On the other hand, Davis does see many of the prophetic sections as referring to a distant future, or end time. He does not seem to support the idea that the church (representing the stone cut out without human hands) defeats the evil kingdom gradually over time.
Davis style is somewhat light for an exegetical commentary. There is a tiny bit of sass. Not irreverent, but contemporary. Also, he is much more humble than some commentators whom I have read. Some, especially referring to end times, seem dogmatic. Some barely treat alternative views while some openly scoff at them. Davis often begins a section admitting the inherent difficulties. He offers alternative views and sometimes avoids arriving definitively at the "correct" one. I like this mentality because I find it hard to believe that one author, short of a vision from God at the same level as Daniel's, can be dogmatic about much of anything on this subject. (And I also believe that the Bible warns against "adding" to it, meaning that new revelation is closed in that regard. However, I must be careful not to limit God, and I have heard credible stories of personal visions especially in areas completely cut off from the Gospel. I digress.)
This is not a long book. Davis does not begin each section with the actual biblical text, except in a very few places. Some verses are not quoted in entirety at all. There is no index either by subject or verse.
In my first pass at this review, I neglected to address Davis' handling of an issue that one can't ignore with the book of Daniel. Many critics say that this Biblical book cannot have been written in the 6th century BC as one would assume from a plain reading. The primary motive of the critics is that Daniel is too accurate in prophetic details. Davis is clear and detailed in his defense of the 6th century writing. I tend to gloss over that issue in my mind because if you don't accept the plain reading that the Daniel who was a prominent figure in Babylon received these visions at that time, then the Bible is not only not inherent, but it contains significant falsehoods. I would have no interest in the entirety in that case. In short, I take it as a matter of faith, but I am happy to have at my disposal facts and arguments to counter such criticisms.
I am probably not finished referencing portions of this book.
May 18, 2017
"Practical and enriching". These are the words you will be thinking when you finish "The Message of Daniel" by Dale Ralph Davis, as it is one of the most well exit books on Daniel that I have had the privilege of reading. This book is parts of the ever-growing series called "The Bible Speaks Today", produced by IVP Academic. "The Bible Speaks Today" is a thoroughly Evangelical series which serves as an introduction as well as practicality explaining the Book of Daniel through a thoroughly Reformed perspective.
In the introduction, with regard to the dating of Daniel, Davis argues well for an early date, I abet briefly, against critical arguments for older dating. His arguments systematically destroy any critical arguments that have been put forth to this time. His arguments are up today and even focus on the most critical and modern viewpoints, even ones that have just recently been published.
Davis is a excellent old testament exegete specifically and when it comes to Babylonian exile history, it shines in this volume. Davis makes sure that the reader is getting an important look into the culture of the day and its influence on the text. Through this process Davis brings about conclusions which are gold for any pastor preaching exegetically through the Book of Daniel.
After exegeting the narrative portion of Daniel, Davies tackles the prophetic portion, chapters 7 through 12. Almost, there are not many commentaries which resent this position in favorable light, yet Davis argues for this you would great tenacity and explains the on position in a clear and easy to understand way. Even those who hold to a post or premillennial view will come away with a greater understanding of this Millennial View periods in the end Davis demonstrates why he is one of the greatest Old Testament scholar of the modern age, which makes this introduction to the Book of Daniel a must-read by pastors preaching or Layman teaching through the Book of Daniel either in the Pulpit or in the Sunday School room. I highly recommend this volume as an aid in either of these circumstances.
This book was provided to me free of charge from IVP Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
The Message of Daniel (BST)
© 2016 by Dale Ralph Davis
Publisher: IVP Academic
Page Count: 173 Pages
ISBN: 9978-0830824380
In the introduction, with regard to the dating of Daniel, Davis argues well for an early date, I abet briefly, against critical arguments for older dating. His arguments systematically destroy any critical arguments that have been put forth to this time. His arguments are up today and even focus on the most critical and modern viewpoints, even ones that have just recently been published.
Davis is a excellent old testament exegete specifically and when it comes to Babylonian exile history, it shines in this volume. Davis makes sure that the reader is getting an important look into the culture of the day and its influence on the text. Through this process Davis brings about conclusions which are gold for any pastor preaching exegetically through the Book of Daniel.
After exegeting the narrative portion of Daniel, Davies tackles the prophetic portion, chapters 7 through 12. Almost, there are not many commentaries which resent this position in favorable light, yet Davis argues for this you would great tenacity and explains the on position in a clear and easy to understand way. Even those who hold to a post or premillennial view will come away with a greater understanding of this Millennial View periods in the end Davis demonstrates why he is one of the greatest Old Testament scholar of the modern age, which makes this introduction to the Book of Daniel a must-read by pastors preaching or Layman teaching through the Book of Daniel either in the Pulpit or in the Sunday School room. I highly recommend this volume as an aid in either of these circumstances.
This book was provided to me free of charge from IVP Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
The Message of Daniel (BST)
© 2016 by Dale Ralph Davis
Publisher: IVP Academic
Page Count: 173 Pages
ISBN: 9978-0830824380
June 21, 2022
My final reflection is I know that I am hyping this book up. I have not been so exuberant in my praise for any of the books I have reviewed so far.
I must admit, my enthusiasm could stem from the great debt I owe to Dale Ralph Davis. If not for his commentary on 1 Kings, today I would avoid an entire category of books, namely commentaries. Before him, I read other commentaries and they made me feel stupid. That was not the author’s intent, I was reading above my level. But after him, I am the reader I am today. Not just a reader of commentaries but more importantly, I am a reader, a better reader of the Bible.
Even as I recommend today’s book, “The Message of Daniel: His Kingdom Cannot Fail”, which is available for the low, low price of USD1.99 in Logos for June, I would say that if you are looking for a book by Dale Ralph Davis to start with, I would go with either Judges or 1 Kings. Because Daniel is a more complex book, it has a mix of stories and visions. It has verses that spur debates, debates that will only end when the final horny man appears and Jesus blasts him with his breath. In contrast, Judges and 1 Kings is a more straightforward narrative and Davis is in his element as a storyteller.
Extracted from full 3,664 word review: https://readingandreaders.com/podcast...
I must admit, my enthusiasm could stem from the great debt I owe to Dale Ralph Davis. If not for his commentary on 1 Kings, today I would avoid an entire category of books, namely commentaries. Before him, I read other commentaries and they made me feel stupid. That was not the author’s intent, I was reading above my level. But after him, I am the reader I am today. Not just a reader of commentaries but more importantly, I am a reader, a better reader of the Bible.
Even as I recommend today’s book, “The Message of Daniel: His Kingdom Cannot Fail”, which is available for the low, low price of USD1.99 in Logos for June, I would say that if you are looking for a book by Dale Ralph Davis to start with, I would go with either Judges or 1 Kings. Because Daniel is a more complex book, it has a mix of stories and visions. It has verses that spur debates, debates that will only end when the final horny man appears and Jesus blasts him with his breath. In contrast, Judges and 1 Kings is a more straightforward narrative and Davis is in his element as a storyteller.
Extracted from full 3,664 word review: https://readingandreaders.com/podcast...
January 29, 2025
A readable, measured, and focused guide to the book of Daniel. Davis has the unique gift of not missing the forest for the trees, while still working with details. He challenged some of my interpretations, particularly of chapters 9, 11, and 12, so this was a thought provoking read for me to be sure. His list of the interpretive issues for chapter 9 was the best I've come across. And full credit is due for his accessible handling of chapter 11—a herculean feat. His defence of the historicity of Daniel was well laid out, which has mind boggling implications: Daniel predicted aspects of the course of human history—centuries before they happened—often in specific detail. Unreal.
March 19, 2025
Thorough commentary, seamlessly weaving ancient history (Babylon-Medo-Persia-Greece) into it. I’ve discovered so much more to Daniel than ‘the writings on the wall’ and the lion’s den! Excellent references to other parts of the Bible to get a holistic view of why the Book of Daniel matters. And the author has a witty writing style that brings the Scripture to life.
August 31, 2017
Excellent conservative Reformed treatment of the OT book of stories and prophecy. Chapters are more like sermons than traditional commentary on the text, in that there is application and encouragement. Warmly written and well done.
October 11, 2017
Good pastoral commentary. Certainly not going to answer all the questions you have, and probably everybody will find a few interpretive choices to quibble with. But Davis is a pastor and scholar, and that's an asset in working through a difficult book like Daniel.
January 11, 2020
I’m not sure what else to say about Dale Ralph Davis except that if you need a commentary on a specific Old Testament book and he has written one on the same book, buy it. He’s the rare commentator who is informative, insightful and entertaining. He really is a joy to read.
August 19, 2020
Really enjoyed reading this commentary on Daniel. I had previously decided that I would just ‘read it’ and leave aside all the sticky bones. Reading it this way it was very enjoyable. And anyway I don’t have to commit to one view above all others. Do I ?
June 14, 2024
I am biased, I admit it. My favorite prof at seminary for a reason, and it comes through in ALL of his writing: he combines hard scholarship, witty humor, pity writing, and a pastor's heart for ridiculously enjoyable and good commentaries. Thanks again, sir!
August 22, 2024
Dale Ralph Davis is one of my favorite OT commentators. Even though I wish he was more Christ-centered, his commentaries are so sermonic and applicable. This was a great help as I preached through Daniel.
November 21, 2020
Davis's commentary on Daniel is helpful. It covers the main points in an easily translatable way.
March 16, 2021
Super helpful for navigating the tricky bits of Daniel - explaining how prophecies line up with actual events for example! 3 stars for not having more real-life application
April 19, 2022
This is a must-have commentary for Daniel. DRD is sharp, winsome, pithy, and a master of helping the reader understand the point!
January 16, 2024
An excellent introductory commentary on a book of the Bible that is difficult to understand without context. There is real substance here without sounding dry and academic. Suitable for everyone!
April 11, 2024
I love his style and he is full of great insight on how to understand the difficult bits of the book. I recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews