Daniel: A Commentary (Old Testament Library)

'Here is an excellent and up-to-date commentary on Daniel that can be unreservedly commended. There is a good, though brief, introduction, in which especial attention is paid to the discussion of the literary affinities of Daniel. The original translation takes account of all relevant recent work, while the commentary is full and first class. The author has read and digested a considerable amount of modern literature on Daniel and brought to it his own careful and balanced judgement. His critical positions are rarely new, but in the reviewer's opinion they are sound - and sound judgement is better than novelty! On many of the problems of the book an incredible amount has been written, expressing an enormous variety of opinions. Professor Porteous is not concerned with the history of interpretation, and contents himself with a brief treatment of such questions, presenting his own considered view or suspending judgement where a decision between competing views cannot be made with confidence ... More important than all such matters is the religious and theological value of the book, and it is his attention to this that gives Professor Porteous's commentary its special quality, and makes it a notable addition to the series for which it has been written' (Society for Old Testament Study Book List).