We love the stories of courage and faith in Daniel, and then the prophecy in the second half of the book defeats us. What is needed is a guide: someone who can paint the historical background that brings the narratives to life and explain the prophetic symbolism clearly.

That is what the best preachers do, and you do not have to wait until Sunday's sermon. John C. Whitcomb works through the whole book in the Everyday Bible Commentary series: short, readable volumes drawn from Moody's long-running commentary line, written for a Christian with no training in the languages.