Professor John J. Collins's commentary on Daniel in the prestigious Hermeneia series stands as the most comprehensive and authoritative critical treatment of Daniel available in English, representing thirty years of specialized research by one of the world's foremost authorities on apocalyptic literature and Second Temple Judaism. As Holmes Professor of Old Testament Criticism and Interpretation at Yale Divinity School and a internationally recognized expert on virtually every aspect of Daniel studies, Collins brings unparalleled expertise in Hebrew and Aramaic languages, ancient Near Eastern literature, and comparative apocalypticism to this 500-page masterwork. His comprehensive approach addresses both the Hebrew and Greek textual traditions while providing detailed analysis of the book's historical context, literary genre, and theological development within the broader context of Jewish apocalyptic thought.

Collins's groundbreaking contribution lies in his definitive analysis of Daniel as apocalyptic literature, situating the book within its proper historical context during the Maccabean period while providing comprehensive comparison with related pseudepigraphical writings including 1 Enoch, 4 Ezra, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. His treatment addresses complex questions about the book's composition, its relationship to other apocalyptic texts, and its distinctive theological perspectives while providing detailed commentary on both the court tales of chapters 1-6 and the visions of chapters 7-12. His work includes extensive analysis of the deuterocanonical additions (Bel and the Dragon, Susanna, and the Prayer of Azariah) along with careful attention to the book's reception history and influence on later Jewish and Christian thought.

This massive scholarly achievement serves as an indispensable resource for seminary professors and advanced students pursuing biblical studies, pastors seeking to understand the critical foundations underlying contemporary Daniel interpretation, and scholars working in apocalyptic literature, Second Temple Judaism, and comparative ancient Near Eastern studies. Collins's comprehensive scope and meticulous attention to detail ensure that readers encounter the highest levels of contemporary biblical research while his balanced historical-critical approach fairly discusses perspectives from across the scholarly spectrum. His work has been praised as "the most complete commentary on Daniel" available and represents essential reading for anyone seeking serious scholarly engagement with one of the Bible's most complex and historically significant books, making this volume indispensable for understanding Daniel's place within both its ancient context and its continuing influence on Jewish and Christian thought.