The Prophecy of Daniel in Preterist Perspective: The Easy Parts and the Hard Parts

by Jay Rogers

The great expositor of Scripture, John Calvin, once exclaimed in exasperation about the numerous speculations on controversial passages in the Book of Daniel, such as the identity of the “Little Horn” of chapter 7. Calvin preached, “They are all wrong.” This book provides a preterist view of Daniel that is in harmony with other parallel passages in Scripture, such as Zechariah 14, Matthew 24 and Revelation. Areas of agreement among conservatives are summarized. Special attention is then paid to so-called “hard parts” in which the majority of commentators, in the words of Calvin, are “utterly at sea.” From a preterist perspective, each of these (Daniel 2:44,45; 7; 9:26,27; 11:36-45; 12:1-13) deal with the Roman period, the Fourth Kingdom of Daniel 2 and 7 that dominated Judea from 63 BC to AD 70. The preterist view of Daniel as presented by Calvin, and others as early as Clement of Alexandria in AD 180, is the most consistent interpretation. “R.J. Rushdoony once said there are four things liberals hate about (1). Daniel displays a sovereign God who cannot be manipulated and who destroys all who rebel against His Law-Word, including civic rulers. (2). It showcases predictive prophecy that is infallible and sure. (3). It illustrates a comprehensive Providence that governs even the tiniest details of life and history. (4). It unapologetically presents the reality of miracles. “You can judge an author by their attitude towards those four things in Daniel. Based on that criteria, Jay Rogers stands head and shoulders above a crowd of commentaries on this book. He takes the inerrancy of Scripture and hermeneutics seriously, submits to the New Testament’s interpretation of Daniel, illustrates his interpretations quite well with history, and shows how Daniel dovetails with the rest of Scripture.” – Phillip Kayser, Biblical Blueprints

139 pages, Paperback

Published July 30, 2024

Reviews

[DOUGLAS GREENE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bringing clarity to such a misunderstood book like Daniel is exciting!

First, let me say that the idea of a different approach to eschatology is refreshing! A preterist view of eschatology should a least be offered in seminaries across the country and around the world and I can assure you it isn’t. Using this understanding, pieces almost fall together like never before. Sure questions still arise however, a new approach, at the least, gives the world a fighting chance at understanding and reconciling eschatology as a whole.