Daniel: A Pastoral and Contextual Commentary
In Daniel: A Pastoral and Contextual Commentary, Kevin S. Chen guides you through Daniel’s epic book with insight on how it relates to an Asian cultural context. Opening with how his paternal grandparents left China, he shares how Daniel also involves war, social upheaveal, and living in exile far from home.
As part of the Asia Bible Commentary Series, this volume equips Christian believers in Asia to read the bible within their respective cultural context with exegesis and application. It is written with academic rigor and pastoral leanings.
This commentary would be beneficial to those who are already familiar with the book of Daniel. Chen writes with a direct style, bringing his mastery of the Hebrew text to the forefront. A biblical theology of Babylon, the Tower of Babel, and human arrogance and pride is woven throughout.
A Biblical Perspective on Music
Throughout the book, Chen writes six short articles concerning topics of interest, and I found the entries on names, dreams and visions, and a biblical perspective on music to be most intereseting.
In regards to music, Daniel 3 shows how that music plays a significant role in the mandated worship of the golden calf. In a world with American Idols and KPOP Demon Hunters, the meaning of music is still worth understanding.
Chen states that while music can be traced back to the lineage of Cain, the broader context of the Bible suggests that music is a gift from God, that it is good, and that it should be used for his glory. This was greatly encouraging to me as an Asian American worship leader who writes my own hymns.
God of the Heavens
Chen draws out the themes that you might miss. Assimilation, the importance of honor, giving “face,” and power from the heavens all come into play. It was fascinating to see the story through with this distinct flavor.
As emperors and kings play a prominent role in Asian history and literature, Chen connects them to Daniel’s days in Babylon. The conflict between the kings of the earth and the God of the Heavens is shown, and Chen notes the perpetuating Asian belief in a divine kingship. Chen brings up the Great Ming Code and, the laws and codes of earth, and the law of the Lord. Central to the book of Daniel is the Messianic vision of the Ancient of Days and “one like a son of man.” Evil human regimes will fall at the feet of the Most High who will triumnph and rule an everlasting kingdom.
Chen’s work on Daniel is insightful and exciting. This book gives biblical precedence and insight into the persecution that happens throughout the world and especially in many Asian countries today. And it lifts our eyes from our troubles today to a cosmic end – when wars will cease, suffering will stop, and the rule and reign of the Lord will become reality.
I received a media copy of Daniel: A Pastoral and Contextual Commentary (Amazon) and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.