What do you think?
Rate this book
Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary
Daniel: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary
The book of Daniel presents a God who is there and is not silent.
Joe M. Sprinkle connects Daniel with the biblical story. Debates rage around Daniel's dating, historicity, and referents. With this focus on historical context, Daniel's canonical context is often lost. While arguing for conservative dating and historicity, Sprinkle focuses on how Daniel is a fulcrum for many theological themes in both the OT and NT. Daniel says much about God's nature, his relationship with history, the heavenly host, the Messiah, the coming kingdom, and the last things.
The Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) series locates each biblical book within redemptive history and illuminates its unique theological contributions. All EBTC volumes feature informed exegetical treatment of the biblical book and thorough discussion of its most important theological themes in relation to the canon--all in a style that is useful and accessible to students of Scripture.
Joe M. Sprinkle connects Daniel with the biblical story. Debates rage around Daniel's dating, historicity, and referents. With this focus on historical context, Daniel's canonical context is often lost. While arguing for conservative dating and historicity, Sprinkle focuses on how Daniel is a fulcrum for many theological themes in both the OT and NT. Daniel says much about God's nature, his relationship with history, the heavenly host, the Messiah, the coming kingdom, and the last things.
The Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) series locates each biblical book within redemptive history and illuminates its unique theological contributions. All EBTC volumes feature informed exegetical treatment of the biblical book and thorough discussion of its most important theological themes in relation to the canon--all in a style that is useful and accessible to students of Scripture.
471 pages, Hardcover
Published January 13, 2021
20 people want to read
About the author
Joe M. Sprinkle
5 books1 followerJoe M. Sprinkle (PhD, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion) is professor of Old Testament at Crossroads College in Rochester, Minnesota. He is author of The Book of the Covenant: A Literary Approach and Biblical Law and its Relevance, as well as articles in journals, dictionaries, and a study Bible.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 23, 2025
Brother, I was half convinced that "EBTC" was a bank the way Joe Sprinkle was cash money with this one.
Peak commentary 🗣️‼️
Peak commentary 🗣️‼️
February 15, 2021
When the culture seems to be strongly opposed to Christians, the book of Daniel reminds us of our God who is not silent. As an initial entry in Lexham Press’ Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) series, Joe M. Sprinkle’s Daniel is an excellent and epic edition.
Theology on Display
Sprinkle states that Daniel and his friends were probably in their early teens during the time of their exile. Sprinkle does not miss any details, and he shows how even the Jewish names of these young men have something to teach about God. Throughout the commentary, Sprinkle is generous in his explaining the Hebrew text, even referencing the Old Greek at certain points.
The theology on display in the narrative does not get lost in the commentary. And there are practical applications to the considered theology. Daniel proves to be a leader due to his desire for holiness and wanting to please God. The faith of Daniel and his friends can coexist with their intelligence and prudence. We see that it is possible to thrive in a hostile environment with the help of God. This was extremely encouraging for me to read during our challenging times.
Confidence in Christ
Sprinkle is confident in his ability to technically assess the text. And he is able to show the beauty of the Word. Literary chiasms, both large and small, are considered.
And the main message of the text is seen more clearly: God sovereignly controls history and history will culminate in the establishment of his kingdom. Reading Daniel alongside this commentary has helped clarify confusion, calm my nerves, and give me confidence in Christ.
Determination and Deliverance
There is a determination in Daniel. He has persistence in prayer and an assurance that God will answer. The commentary helped me see that the narrative moves at a quick pace, and God’s hand is making it happen. Sprinkle's comments are insightful.
For instance, in regards to the fourth figure in the fiery furnace, as well as in the lion’s den, Sprinkle states that it is possible, though not certain, that the “angel” is the angel of the Lord – God. A theophany is plausible. The point is that while God may expect us to sacrifice our lives rather than disobey his commands, he is with us and often works to save us from our distress.
Prepared for Persecution
An excursus is embarked upon when discerning who is the “little horn” in Daniel 7. Sprinkle sees the connection between Revelation 13 and 19 and states that “for the prophecy to be true, the little horn should probably not be identified with Antiochus IV but rather understood as the antichrist.” The point is that Christians should be prepared for persecution while remaining faithful to the son of man – Jesus Christ. This commentary gave me the courage to trust Christ in all of our circumstances.
Daniel 9 is a difficult chapter that speaks of the abomination of desolation as well as a period of 70 weeks. I don’t want to do a disservice to Sprinkle’s excellent work, but he presents several views with fair representation and careful analysis. Sprinkle's thoroughness and ability to clearly lay out the different interpretations is appreciated.
Faithful Until the End
The Biblical and Theological themes are discussed at the end of the book. The themes that hit me the hardest are that God is sovereign over the affairs of men, God allows suffering but often saves, God is to be respected and worshiped, God receives and answers prayers, and God expects people to be faithful even if it risks their lives.
At less than 500 pages, this commentary has the workings of a classic: timeless truths that are carefully and clearly explained. It speaks prophetically to today’s cultural climate towards Christians. It is a call for Christians to be faithful until the end. It is a compelling comfort to know that God is always faithful to keep and see to his promises.
I received a media copy of Daniel: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary and this is my honest review.
Theology on Display
Sprinkle states that Daniel and his friends were probably in their early teens during the time of their exile. Sprinkle does not miss any details, and he shows how even the Jewish names of these young men have something to teach about God. Throughout the commentary, Sprinkle is generous in his explaining the Hebrew text, even referencing the Old Greek at certain points.
The theology on display in the narrative does not get lost in the commentary. And there are practical applications to the considered theology. Daniel proves to be a leader due to his desire for holiness and wanting to please God. The faith of Daniel and his friends can coexist with their intelligence and prudence. We see that it is possible to thrive in a hostile environment with the help of God. This was extremely encouraging for me to read during our challenging times.
Confidence in Christ
Sprinkle is confident in his ability to technically assess the text. And he is able to show the beauty of the Word. Literary chiasms, both large and small, are considered.
And the main message of the text is seen more clearly: God sovereignly controls history and history will culminate in the establishment of his kingdom. Reading Daniel alongside this commentary has helped clarify confusion, calm my nerves, and give me confidence in Christ.
Determination and Deliverance
There is a determination in Daniel. He has persistence in prayer and an assurance that God will answer. The commentary helped me see that the narrative moves at a quick pace, and God’s hand is making it happen. Sprinkle's comments are insightful.
For instance, in regards to the fourth figure in the fiery furnace, as well as in the lion’s den, Sprinkle states that it is possible, though not certain, that the “angel” is the angel of the Lord – God. A theophany is plausible. The point is that while God may expect us to sacrifice our lives rather than disobey his commands, he is with us and often works to save us from our distress.
Prepared for Persecution
An excursus is embarked upon when discerning who is the “little horn” in Daniel 7. Sprinkle sees the connection between Revelation 13 and 19 and states that “for the prophecy to be true, the little horn should probably not be identified with Antiochus IV but rather understood as the antichrist.” The point is that Christians should be prepared for persecution while remaining faithful to the son of man – Jesus Christ. This commentary gave me the courage to trust Christ in all of our circumstances.
Daniel 9 is a difficult chapter that speaks of the abomination of desolation as well as a period of 70 weeks. I don’t want to do a disservice to Sprinkle’s excellent work, but he presents several views with fair representation and careful analysis. Sprinkle's thoroughness and ability to clearly lay out the different interpretations is appreciated.
Faithful Until the End
The Biblical and Theological themes are discussed at the end of the book. The themes that hit me the hardest are that God is sovereign over the affairs of men, God allows suffering but often saves, God is to be respected and worshiped, God receives and answers prayers, and God expects people to be faithful even if it risks their lives.
At less than 500 pages, this commentary has the workings of a classic: timeless truths that are carefully and clearly explained. It speaks prophetically to today’s cultural climate towards Christians. It is a call for Christians to be faithful until the end. It is a compelling comfort to know that God is always faithful to keep and see to his promises.
I received a media copy of Daniel: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary and this is my honest review.
July 19, 2024
Excellent commentary. Very good mix of scholarship and practical application. It was a constant companion through my Sunday School preparation.
December 9, 2025
Historically and linguistically dense. A lot to get through - but SO much historical and cultural context that aligns the message of Daniel with the sovereignty of God!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews