Endgame
A New Commentary on the Book of Daniel
Foreword by Heather G. Hunnicutt
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
Daniel, the lone apocalyptic book in the Old Testament, has challenged readers throughout the centuries with its obscure, enigmatic style. Endgame offers a careful introduction to Daniel and apocalyptic literature, a new formal translation of the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, and a verse-by-verse commentary on the book of Daniel, including the Additions made to Daniel in the Deuterocanonical (Apocryphal) literature. In accessible, easy-to-read style, this up-to-date work illuminates the apocalyptic book of Daniel in the light of its ancient literary, historical, and archaeological setting and shows its vital relevance to ancient and modern readers.
Jerry A. Gladson is adjunct professor of religion at Richmont Graduate University in Atlanta, Georgia, and senior minister emeritus of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Marietta, Georgia. Ordained in both the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, he holds the MA and PhD in Hebrew Bible from Vanderbilt University. He is the author of Touched by the Hand of God: A Commentary on Job (2019) and other works.
“Compellingly written with curiosity, passion, and intellectual rigor, Endgame provides a fresh examination of sacred texts of antiquity. With a foundation of ancient history, cultural anthropology, and textual criticism, Gladson has densely packed an enormous amount of information into this treasure. In a modern world of madness in which political leaders climb to the top only to be toppled in the end, Gladson’s exegesis of Daniel’s eschatology is at the same time contemporary, cosmic, and timeless in scope.”
—William F. Doverspike, Senior Adjunct Professor, Richmont Graduate University
“Gladson’s book combines a myriad of archeological findings, modern biblical translations, and scholarly histories with his intimate knowledge of Hebrew to bring valuable light on the ancient book of Daniel (written circa 165 BCE). Endgame attempts to unravel the imagery of the book of Daniel, its numerology, its predictiveness, and its history. A worthwhile read across faith communities.”
—Mel Campbell, Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, retired, La Sierra University
“Gladson writes with the heart of a pastor and the mind of a professor. The introduction lays the groundwork for the painstaking translation and judicious exposition that follows. His focus never veers from the original historical context, which he treats admirably. Readers unfamiliar with apocalyptic literature will come away with a deep appreciation for its response to the abuse of power.”
—James L. Crenshaw, Robert L. Flowers Professor emeritus of Old Testament, Duke University
“Endgame comes from the creative hand and fertile mind of a progressive and careful scholar and the heart of a practiced and caring pastor. It engages the latest biblical scholarship in apocalyptic literature in the human context of insufferable pain. Using a ‘hermeneutic of retrieval,’ Gladson exposes the original historical and cultural setting of the book of Daniel, drawing significance for today and, in the process, leading readers through the book’s inspirational narratives and labyrinthian visions of hope.”
—Douglas R. Clark, Professor of Hebrew Bible and Archaeology, retired, La Sierra University
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