Exalting Jesus in Daniel             (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary)

I picked up this commentary while reading and studying the book of Daniel in the Old Testament. As a child, I only knew Daniel’s story through the familiar accounts of Daniel in the lion’s den and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. To me, these were simple children’s stories that taught how God protects His people from evil.

What I never truly learned back then were the difficult passages that followed those well-known stories. Though I’ve read through them before, I often skimmed over the prophecies, thinking they were events already fulfilled in the past, distant and irrelevant to my present faith. They seemed too complex and overwhelming for me to grasp.

Even now, I still find those passages challenging. I struggled through the daily readings and often prayed for understanding. Yet one truth stood out clearly: God’s sovereignty. He is the supreme ruler whose kingdom is eternal. He establishes earthly kingdoms, appoints rulers and leaders, and can remove them at His will.

One phrase that kept appearing was “the appointed time,” a powerful reminder of God’s absolute control over all things. The commentary puts it beautifully: “Things will move ahead as He has decreed, and things will also end as He decreed.” God alone holds the future.

Daniel’s closing message: believers are called to persevere and remain faithful, trusting in God’s ultimate victory. 

This commentary became a steady guide when I felt lost in the maze of prophecies. It helped me discern the flow between past events and future visions, and more importantly, reminded me that even when I don’t fully understand, God does. His plans are already written, and at the appointed time, He will provide wisdom and understanding. My part is to trust in Him and His promises.

What encouraged me the most was how sometimes, my personal reflections from answering my BSF questions aligned with the insights from this commentary. Those moments felt like gentle confirmations from the Holy Spirit, reassuring me that He is indeed guiding me through His Word.

Overall, this book is a thoughtful and accessible resource for readers who want to move beyond the familiar stories of Daniel and grapple with its deeper themes. It’s particularly well-suited for those seeking to understand biblical prophecy through a Christ-centered lens while keeping God’s sovereignty at the forefront.