Daniel: The Seer of Babylon

That's the message of Daniel in this new commentary by biblical scholar Gerhard Pfandl. The author sets us down in once-mighty Babylon, with its 53 temples and 955 smaller sanctuaries. We survey the ruins of the large (170' x 56') banquet hall of Belshazzar and the remains of Nebuchadnezzar's statue on the plain of Dura. We relive Daniel's immortal stories of heroic faith and remember God's promise: "When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you."

But more important, Pfandl provides the keys to unlock Daniel's prophecy of the 2300 days, the 70 weeks, and the 1260/1335 days. The author champions the historicist year/day principle, showing how Daniel unfolds the future in symbol. He explains how the medieval apostasy predicted by Daniel birthed a persecuting power whose false teaching obscures the atoning sacrifice of Christ. He cites non -Adventist scholars who affirm that Daniel 8 teaches a pre-Advent judgment, and refutes Adventist innovators who project the 1260 days into the future.

As the end rushes toward us, Daniel points forward to the day when David's prayer "Judge me, O Lord" is answered, and trial and trouble are swallowed up in glory.