Daniel

Reviews

'A broadly inclusive, evangelical commentary on Daniel that at the same time engages respectfully and thoroughly the critical issues without partisanship, argument, or accusation. This is one of a kind!'

'A masterful introduction followed by close analysis at the microlevel, clear discourse analysis at the microlevel, and stimulating biblical theological treatment at the intertextual level. And Widder's ability to link all of this to the big idea at each point makes for stimulating reading--I literally read it straight through. Henceforth, it's my go-to commentary on Daniel.'

'A new day for Daniel studies. If persons were trapped until they preached through Daniel--which describes the way many approach such a series--and only one commentary was allowed, it's an easy choice. Wendy Widder's commentary combines her expertise in Hebrew and Aramaic and builds on her series of important studies on Daniel over the past decade. She never minimizes interpretive difficulties. But Wendy leads us past the long-line of interpretive cul-de-sacs created by earlier commentators on Daniel. Anyone who wants to understand and teach Daniel and trust the Most High God needs to start here.'

'I have come to appreciate the clarity and precision of Dr. Widder's writing over the years, so it is with great pleasure that I commend her latest work on Daniel. Readers of this volume will find a solid command of the challenging issues surrounding Daniel blended with up-to-date insights from discourse analysis and linguistic approaches to the Hebrew and Aramaic text.'

'Widder provides a close reading of the text of Daniel, highlighting the essential features of the book's clauses in its original languages. By auditing how the book creates its discourse, she builds a solid platform for moving from grammar and syntax towards meaning and theological interpretation. Students will appreciate the attention to detail, as well as the wider connections Widder makes between different parts of the book of Daniel. Widder does not shy away from the difficult critical issues, of which there are many. She presents multiple perspectives, which she evaluates with generosity, while also being up front with the conservative Christian framework within which she is working. Christian exegetes and preachers will find both food for thought and good guidance for their analysis and preaching endeavors.'

'Widder provides well-reasoned evangelical positions on critical matters and her comments are thorough, clear, and accessible. Her translations are carefully crafted to convey the nuances of the Hebrew and Aramaic, and it is clear she has a deep familiarity with the book. Her facility in discourse-linguistic analysis is evident throughout, making it a wonderful contribution to the series.'