Glimpsing the Mystery: The Book of Daniel (Transformative Word) - Softcover

"For many, the Book of Daniel seems largely enigmatic and incomprehensible. In this volume, Dr. Barbara Leung Lai takes this challenging book and ably opens it up for the contemporary reader. Through an analysis of the book's historical context, literary forms, theological emphases, and most especially of the character of Daniel as presented in the book, she leads her readers to an understanding of how they too can appropriate the message of Daniel in their own experiential context. Her discussion of the book's portrait of both the public and private life of Daniel is especially compelling, as are her own personal reflections on how she has wrestled with the book's theological message in her own experience. The discussion and study questions at the end of each chapter make the book an excellent resource for students and group Bible studies. Dr. Leung Lai helps her readers grasp the core values of the book, and their significance for life today." --John Kessler, professor of Old Testament and chair of biblical studies, Tyndale Seminary, Toronto "The book of Daniel has an important message for Christians today who live in cultures that are toxic to their faith. Daniel himself lived in such a culture and shows how faith can thrive even when threatened by the world around us. The book of Daniel also reminds us again and again that in spite of difficulties, God is in control and will have the final victory. Barbara M. Leung Lai brings her considerable knowledge and clear insight into her concise yet substantial presentation of the book. I recommend Glimpsing the Mystery to all who not only want to understand the book of Daniel better, but also have it transform their lives and faith." --Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College "A lucid treatise on the profound yet enigmatic book of Daniel, leading readers soaring high to a panoramic view of the sovereignty of God in human history, coming down deep into the inner world of Daniel the person and the Jewish community, and experiencing its messages from the past in today's perplexed world." --Rev. Terence Lau, Ph.D., minister-at-large, Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada

The stories in the first half of the book of Daniel are Sunday School favorites, and the visions of the second half are sometimes hard to understand. How do either of them relate to the world today, with its frequent news of conflict, injustice, and human suffering? In Glimpsing the Mystery, Barbara M. Leung Lai succinctly takes readers through Daniel, showing throughout how God responds to the needs of his people in difficult times. In a world that seems out of control, God provides glimpses into the mystery of his glory and sovereignty, showing that he has not stopped working and reassuring us that he is still the God of gods and Lord of lords. It is a message that is as necessary today as it was in Daniel's time.