The Book of Daniel, Chapters 1-6

by Aubrey E. Buster, John H. Walton

Overview

An indispensable resource for preaching and teaching the book of Daniel
 
In this volume of the New International Commentary on the Old Testament, scholars Aubrey E. Buster and John H. Walton guide readers through chapters 1–6 of the book of Daniel. They provide historically informed, theologically sound interpretations of some of the most memorable stories and imagery in the Old Testament, including Daniel in the lion’s den, the fiery furnace, the figure with feet of clay, and the writing on the wall. Buster and Walton also help readers understand the significance of the text’s composition, audience, historical context, genre, and structure. Accessible and insightful, this well-researched volume is an essential resource for preaching, teaching, and study of the book of Daniel.
 
All NICOT volumes combine superior scholarship, an evangelical view of Scripture as the Word of God, and concern for the life of faith today. Each volume features an extensive introduction treating the biblical book’s authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. The authors’ own translations of the original text and verse-by-verse commentary follow. The commentary itself carefully balances coverage of technical matters with exposition of the biblical text’s theology and implications. Readers who want to hear God’s voice anew through Scripture will find the New International Commentary on the Old Testament series to be a faithful, trustworthy guide.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802875990
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	11/20/2025
Series:	New International Commentary on the Old Testament Series
Pages:	960
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Aubrey E. Buster is associate professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College. She is the author of Remembering the Story of Israel and coauthor of The Book of Daniel, Chapters 1–6 in the New International Commentary on the Old Testament series.

John H. Walton is professor of Old Testament emeritus at Wheaton College. He is the author or coauthor of numerous books, including Wisdom for Faithful Reading: Principles and Practices for Old Testament Interpretation and The Book of Daniel, Chapters 1–6 in the New International Commentary on the Old Testament series.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

List of Excursuses
Series Editor’s Preface
Preface 
List of Abbreviations 
Bibliography

Introduction

1. The Text of Daniel 
2. Additions to Daniel 
3. Composition of Daniel 
4. History of the Implied Setting of the Book: The Sixth Century BCE 
5. History of the Implied Audience 
6. Issues of the Cultural Background 
7. Hellenistic Polytheism, Religious Assimilation, and Tolerance 
8. Genre of Daniel
9. Historical Accuracy and the Book of Daniel
10. Structure of the Book
11. Intertextuality in Daniel
12. Canonicity
13. Theology

Text and Commentary

1. Daniel 1
2. Daniel 2
3. Daniel 3
4. Daniel 4
5. Daniel 5
6. Daniel 6

Index of Authors 
Index of Subjects 
Index of Scriptures

Editorial Reviews

Buster and Walton’s commentary is the most complete and up-to-date scholarly treatment of Daniel 1–6 available. All future studies will learn from their work and will take it into account. It’s a wonder that this deep dive into the book’s first six chapters is also accessible and profitable for clergy and interested laypeople. I am already looking forward to Volume 2.”
—Tremper Longman III, Distinguished Scholar and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies, Westmont College

“This monumental commentary marries a Christian evangelical commitment to scriptural authority with detailed critical analysis informed by a wide array of ancient evidence and current scholarship in biblical and ancient West Asian studies. Buster and Walton offer students, scholars, and curious readers rich and sensitive treatment of topics ranging from pseudonymity to cultural memory. The commentary is a treasure trove of historical, literary, and theological insight that illuminates the relevance of Daniel’s court tales to questions of identity, power, and faith.”
—Anathea Portier-Young, associate professor of Old Testament, Duke Divinity School

“The book of Daniel stands as a flashpoint where interpretive brilliance meets exegetical challenge. Buster and Walton navigate this complex terrain with remarkable skill and poise, offering nuanced perspectives on scholarly debates with genuine expertise, intellectual honesty, and a rare balance of confidence and humility. By situating Daniel within its canonical, textual, cultural, historical, and theological contexts, they’ve crafted an invaluable resource that meaningfully advances our understanding of the complex dynamics of the formation and interpretation of the book of Daniel. Their commentary is a welcome dialogue partner for scholars and students journeying through the making and meaning(s) of Daniel from antiquity to today.”
—Andrew B. Perrin, associate vice president of research, Athabasca University

“There is much to praise in this superb new commentary. It is impressively rich in linguistic, cultural, and historical detail. What sets it apart, however, is the way in which it employs a sophisticated attention to cultural memory in the service of its perceptive hermeneutical analysis. Recommended both for the scholar and the classroom.”
—Carol A. Newsom, C. H. Candler Professor Emerita of Old Testament, Emory University

“Buster and Walton provide a thorough and thoughtful commentary on Daniel 1–6. Their attention to everything from grammar and syntax to theology and pedagogy and many literary and historical topics in between is breathtaking. The reader will find here a rich and reliable guide to Daniel 1–6 as the Word of God.”
—John A. Cook, professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages and director of Hebrew language instruction, Asbury Theological Seminary

“At last the NICOT on Daniel has appeared! Buster and Walton offer an historically informed, clear, and careful guide for navigating through the polarized scholarly and ecclesial debates surrounding this much-loved and oft-misunderstood book. For anyone teaching on Daniel, this volume now stands at the top of the must-read list.”
—Brittany N. Melton, associate professor of Old Testament, Regent College

From the Publisher