Here comes the Judge!
That’s the message of Daniel in this new commentary by biblical scholar
Gerhard Pfandl. The author sets us down in once-mighty Babylon, with its 53
temples and 955 smaller sanctuaries. We survey the ruins of the large (170' x
56') banquet hall of Belshazzar and the remains of Nebuchadnezzar’s statue on
the plain of Dura. We relive Daniel's immortal stories of heroic faith and
remember God’s promise: "When you walk through the fire, you shall not be
burned, nor shall the flame scorch you."
But more important, Pfandl provides the keys to unlock Daniel’s prophecy of
the 2300 days, the 70 weeks, and the 1260/1335 days. The
author champions the historicist year/day principle, showing how Daniel unfolds
the future in symbol. He explains how the medieval apostasy predicted by Daniel
birthed a persecuting power whose false teaching obscures the atoning sacrifice
of Christ. He cites non -Adventist scholars who affirm that Daniel 8 teaches a
pre-Advent judgment, and refutes Adventist innovators who project the 1260 days
into the future.
As the end rushes toward us, Daniel points forward to the day when David's
prayer "Judge me, O Lord" is answered, and trial and trouble are swallowed up in
glory.
