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.


Allan Harman was for twenty years the principal of the Presbyterian Theological College, Melbourne, Australia. Since 2002 he has been a research professor at the college.

'This is the latest in the series of Study Commentaries intended for the intelligent Christian. The author explains the original Hebrew to his readers so that they can follow its meaning without personal knowledge of the language. Therefore, despite being well-researched and scholarly, it is clear and readable. The text is divided into manageable sections, each section being carefully explained and applied. Harman wisely decides not to interact with the scholarship of others. The result is helpful and illuminating, without being distracting. He also admirably refrains from prophetic speculation, but offers views of others who may differ from himself. Altogether, this is a helpful exposition of a portion of Scripture that seems confusing to many'.
Gervase Charmley - Peach and Truth magazine (July 2008)

'Daniel and his companions were living far from their own homes and 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'.
Review from Irish Baptist Life - November 2007

'Daniel has some of the clearest prophecies of our Lord Jesus in the Old Testament. Is it any wonder we feel upset with evangelicalism today?’
Review from The Gospel Magazine - January/February 2008

'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'.
Revew from the English Churchman magazine (15-22nd February 2008)

'This is an elegant commentary on a potentially difficult book of the Bible. At 300 pages it is detailed enough for most preachers, but Harman's touch is light enough for the general reader who wants to go deeper. 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.' 
Rev Clive Alder