The Book of Daniel

The Book of Daniel occupies a unique position in the scriptural canon because of its complex form and the symbolism of its subject matter. The contemporary resurgence of interest in apocalyptic literature has created the need for a new commentary which takes into account the most recent developments in the study of Daniel. Professor Lacocque's book, which combines knowledge of current critical writing about Daniel with original exegesis of the text, is essential reading for students of the Book and of apocalyptic in general. The actual commentary on the Hebrew and Aramaic text is introduced by a discussion of the major problems confronting the reader: the name of Daniel, the apocalyptic genre, the chronology of the Book and its literary composition, the milieu in which apocalyptic was formed, the place of Daniel in the scriptural canon, the use of both Hebrew and Aramaic, the complex plan of the Book, and a chronological table of the events against which the drama of Daniel was supposedly played out, The commentary on the Book of Daniel is printed with Andre Lacocque's English translation of the biblical text and a verse-by-verse exegesis of the Hebrew and Aramaic originals. There is a final section reflecting on the significance of the Book of Daniel for the modern age. The virtues of this fine commentary are major, as will be immediately obvious. Displays good control of the literature. Students of the Bible will derive great benefit from a careful reading of The Book of Daniel. Lacocque deserves the praise and thanks of all who are sure to profit from the enormous energy and scholarship expended on this volume. --Catholic Biblical Quarterly Andre LaCocque is Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Chicago Theological Seminary. He is the author of The Trial of Innocence and Onslaught against Innocence (Cascade Books); The Feminine Unconventional; Romance, She Wrote; Esther Regina; and a commentary on Ruth. He is also the coauthor (with Paul Ricoeur) of Thinking Biblically: Exegetical and Hermeneutical Studies.