Best Commentaries on Daniel

Based on the strength of the author’s previous work and the track record of the Focus series, I think this will soon be positively evaluated by the experts.

Iain Duguid has written several excellent commentaries and has provided the volume on Daniel for the Reformed Expository Commentary series. It comes highly recommended by most of the experts. Kent Hughes, himself the author of many commentaries, writes “It is rare indeed to find a technical scholar who is also a master homiletician and preacher. But these things Dr. Iain Duguid clearly is. Here, rigorous expository methodology, nuanced biblical theology, and pastoral passion combine to expound the gospel of Jesus Christ in the ravishing narrative and exotic apocalyptic of the book of Daniel.” High praise like that puts this one at the top of the list.

Sinclair Ferguson’s volume is considering top-notch by many of the experts. Keith Mathison praises it by saying, “Students of Scripture should read anything that Sinclair Ferguson publishes, and his commentary on Daniel is no exception. Although aimed specifically at pastors, this commentary is accessible to a general readership as well. Very helpful.”

This commentary is more scholarly than the two that have come before. It is said to deal well with the text and to reflect an immense amount of in-depth research into both the text and the context. Longman writes, “He gives insight into historical, literary, and theological issues concerning the book. He also demonstrates an amazing grasp of the secondary literature.” The experts do warn that he takes an unusual view of the visions in the early part of the book, suggesting they are pseudonymous quasi-prophecy.

Longman has written a long list of commentaries and also maintains a very helpful Old Testament Commentary Survey. His contribution to the NIVAC comes with many recommendations. Mathison commends it with these words: “Longman’s commentary on Daniel is an example of one of the better works in the series. Longman’s strength is in his literary analysis, and this is a strength of this commentary. Highly recommended.”

Though it has now been out for some years, expert reviews of this one remain scarce. Still, Davis is considered one of the best Old Testament commentators, so there is little reason to doubt that this volume will live up to that high standard. This volume replaces one by Ronald Wallace in the Bible Speaks Today series that is also worth owning.