NIV Application Commentary : Daniel [Hardcover]

Tremper Longman III (Author)

Book Description

Series: NIV Application Commentary, The | Publication Date: April 1, 1999

Most Bible commentaries take us on a one-way trip from the twentieth century to the first century. But they leave us there, assuming that we can somehow make the return journey on our own. In other words, they focus on the original meaning of the passage but don't discuss its contemporary application. The information they offer is valuable--but the job is only half done! The NIV Application Commentary Series helps us with both halves of the interpretive task. This new and unique series shows readers how to bring an ancient message into modern context. It explains not only what the Bible means but also how it can speak powerfully today.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Beginning the Old Testament part of the NIV Application Commentary series, this volume explores the meanings of the book of Daniel in its ancient context, then helps the reader make the leap to modern-day applications.

From the Author

Tremper Longman III (Ph.D., Yale University) is professor of Old Testament at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. He is the coauthor of Introduction to the Old Testament as well as many other books and articles

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310206081
• ISBN-13: 978-0310206088
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #209,918 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Tremper Longman III (PhD, Yale University) is the Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies and the chair of the Religious Studies department at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, where he lives with his wife, Alice. He is the Old Testament editor for the revised Expositor's Bible Commentary and has authored many articles and books on the Psalms and other Old Testament books.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful for understanding and applying Daniel., June 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: NIV Application Commentary : Daniel (Hardcover)

Longman has produced the first Old Testament volume in the NIV Application series which combines exegesis with practical applications. The book is well written and moves through the book of Daniel at an even pace. Longman is no stranger to critical issues and interpretive problems but does not dwell on them. He writes from a reformed position citing Calvin throughout the book. He takes an amillennial perspective and his discussion of the latter half of Daniel places an emphasis upon historical fulfillment and symbolical interpretation. Even the 70 years of captivity (a number Daniel was reading from the scroll of Jeremiah; Dan 9) are taken symbolically though many would see this as the 70 years Israel was without a temple: 586-615 BC). The book makes frequent reference to New Testament passages and frequently challenges Christians to apply their faith to current situations. Longman provides examples of application and discusses biblical background for helping the process of application move along a clear path. The author's identification of Israel with the Church supports him in his position that Christians "should be working to keep prayer out of public schools," p. 170. Nevertheless, the book provides a balance of exposition and practical application seasoned with the author's methodology throughout and is recommended for those seeking to learn more about this great Old Testament prophet.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reformed Approach to Daniel, February 22, 2003

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gfweb "gfweb" (pa USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: NIV Application Commentary : Daniel (Hardcover)

This book is part of a series of NIV bible studies written by various authors. The author of this volume, Tremper Longman III, is a professor at Westmont College in California and was previously on the faculty of Westminster Seminary.

The commentary is arranged by chapters and contains sections on the original meaning of the text, the context in relation to the whole Bible, and contemporary significance of the text. His writing is easy to comprehend and pleasant to read. The book would work equally well as reference or as a group Bible study.

Longman is solidly reformed. He resists the temptation to use the prophesy in Daniel to set specific dates for the end-times. In fact, he has publicly debated Harold Camping on just this issue. Although not directly addressed, his traditional approach effectively answers the error promoted by dispensationalists.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent commentary and application on Daniel, June 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: NIV Application Commentary : Daniel (Hardcover)

Tremper Longman provides here a very enjoyable book on the meaning and application of the book of Daniel. Like many others, I was familiar with the first half of Daniel (the Lion's Den, etc.), but found it very difficult to understand and apply the second half (Daniel's dreams and visions). This book really explained it well for me. Once started, I couldn't put this book away until I had read it all. Outstanding work; thankyou Mr. Longman.