Daniel
in Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary
Publisher
Smyth & Helwys
Published
2008
ISBN-13
9781573120746
The book of Daniel showcases the tragic experience and memories of a unique people—Israel—but it also transcends its specific time and place. This collection of stories and visions can comment on the experience of anyone or any group that finds itself weighed down by suffering. Dr. Sharon Pace's superb analysis and commentary reveal that from the depths of despair comes a faith that refuses to abandon the belief that the universe operates according to God’s will—even though its unfolding cannot yet be seen. Daniel boldly declares, through the eyes of faith, that the suffering of the righteous matters, that God hears their voices, and that there is a divine plan for good.
Collections
This book appears in the following featured collections.
- Commentaries by Female Scholars by John Dyer
Reviews
Tyler Tankersley
September 22, 2012
September 22, 2012
Pace's commentary is extensive in its use of Jewish history, which makes sense when one is academically exploring this text. For preaching purposes, I did not garner a tremendous amount of insight.
However, Pace does a fine job of getting past the modern and ridiculous fascination with apocalyptic imagery, and paints Daniel as a subversive text written to encourage an oppressed people. She writes: "The author shows that Daniel believed it was possible to stay true to God's commandments despite Babylonian captivity" (42). She also appropriately applies their situation to a modern context: "The book of Daniel encourages all readers to stand up against injustice and to find courage when confronting evil" (186).
Overall, this should probably not be your only commentary on Daniel, but it serves as a welcome and helpful companion.