Glimpsing the Mystery

Barbara M. Leung Lai (PhD, University of Sheffield) is currently Research Professor of Old Testament at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto. She taught Old Testament and has served as the director of the Pastoral and Chinese Ministry Program at Tyndale for the past 20 years. She is the author of two academic monographs on Old Testament subjects and has published numerous peer--reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and dictionary articles.Craig G. Bartholomew (PhD, Bristol University) is H. Evan Runner Chair of Philosophy and professor of philosophy and religion & theology, Redeemer University College. He is author of Ecclesiastes (Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms), Where Mortals Dwell, and coauthor of The Drama of Scripture.

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 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"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