Dr. John F. Walvoord was a giant of a man—physically, spiritually, and theologically. I had him as a professor during my very first year at Dallas Seminary, and I remember him as an imposing, almost intimidating, instructor in that large lecture class. He seemed almost austere, but that’s because I hadn’t yet had an opportunity to get to know him.
Later, during my twenty years of faculty and administrative service at Dallas, I got to know Dr. Walvoord in a more personal way. And the view up close was just as awe-inspiring as it had been from the classroom. Even after I became executive vice president at Dallas Theological Seminary, he was still “Dr. Walvoord” to me. But don’t get me wrong. This was not a title he demanded. It was given to him out of great respect and admiration. He had earned it!
During my last few years at Dallas a small group of us had the privilege of taking Dr. Walvoord to lunch on a regular basis. Those visits to the Dixie House restaurant were truly special, though the journey was sometimes a little too exciting because he insisted on driving! (We rushed to his car to claim the backseat. The last one there had to sit in front!)
During those informal times together we talked about theology—and about life. And that’s when I truly came to know and appreciate Dr. Walvoord as a person—a man without guile who loved his God and his family, and who was unswerving in his commitment to God’s Word and the ministry God had set before him. He put his hand to the plow to serve the Lord, and he never looked back.
When I was asked if I would be willing to revise Dr. Walvoord’s commentary on the book of Daniel, I immediately said yes. I love the Old Testament prophets and have taught them for over thirty years. But more significantly, I was motivated by my appreciation for the great contribution Dr. Walvoord gave to the church over forty years ago when he first penned this commentary. I saw this as an opportunity to share his masterful insights into the book of Daniel with a new generation of Bible expositors. And because of my appreciation for him, this project has been a labor of love.
As the project draws to a close, I need to express my appreciation to several key individuals. At the top of the list is Dr. John E. Walvoord, Dr. Walvoord’s son. John, thank you for having the foresight to preserve your father’s legacy by authorizing a new edition of his classic work. I hope you are encouraged by the results.
Next in line is Phil Rawley. Phil is someone whom everyone has read, but whom few know. Phil, your skill as a wordsmith is amazing, and you are deeply appreciated by those of us who have had the opportunity to work with you!
I also want to mention Bethany Rawley, Phil’s daughter and writing assistant (and his and my fellow DTS grad!). Bethany, thank you for the many hours you labored replacing every verse, partial verse, and one- or two-word quote from the King James Version of the original commentary with the English Standard Version text. Thank you also for carefully reviewing, renumbering, deleting, and/or replacing as needed all of the nearly 650 footnotes in the original.
And finally, I want to extend a special word of thanks to Greg Thornton, senior vice president of Moody Publishers. Greg, you are a true servant of Christ, and it has been a privilege to serve as your colleague at Moody Bible Institute!
It’s fitting to end this preface with a quote from Dr. Walvoord’s preface to the original work.
Among the great prophetic books of Scripture, none provides a more comprehensive and chronological prophetic view of the broad movement of history than the book of Daniel. Of the three prophetic programs revealed in Scripture, outlining the course of the nations, Israel, and the church, Daniel alone reveals the details of God’s plan for both the nations and Israel. Although other prophets like Jeremiah had much to say to the nations and Israel, Daniel brings together and interrelates these great themes of prophecy as does no other portion of Scripture. For this reason, the book of Daniel is essential to the structure of prophecy and is the key to the entire Old Testament prophetic revelation. A study of this book is, therefore, not only important from the standpoint of determining the revelation of one of the great books of the Old Testament but is an indispensable preliminary investigation to any complete eschatological system….
In attempting an interpretation of the book of Daniel, the principle has been followed of interpreting prophecy in its normal sense while, at the same time, recognizing the apocalyptic character of its revelation. Full attention is given to the critical theories which regard Daniel as a forgery. The denial of the authenticity of the book of Daniel is refuted by internal evidence and archaeological discoveries which support the genuineness of the prophecies of Daniel….
In preparation of this commentary, the author has been guided by the objective to prepare a companion volume to his earlier commentary on the book of Revelation. In this new commentary on the book of Daniel, an attempt has been made to provide the careful student of the Word of God with the necessary tools and information to ascertain accurately the revelation of this important book and to relate it to systematic theology and specifically to eschatology as a whole. In the light of contemporary world events, which fit so well into the foreview of history provided in the book of Daniel, a study of this kind is most relevant to the issues of our day and, supported by other Scriptures, offers the hope that the consummation is not too distant. If the reader, through the study of this volume, has greater understanding of the divine prophetic program, more insight into contemporary events, and a brighter hope concerning things to come, the intention of the author will have been realized.
Charles H. Dyer
Phoenix, Arizona
May 31, 2011