The Time Is Near: Volume 1 - A Reference Commentary on Daniel

In this review of The Time Is Near: Volume 1, Ian Foley offers a focused, scholarly look at the visions in the Book of Daniel and their possible relevance to contemporary global trends. This volume will appeal to readers seeking a reasoned, scripture-based interpretation that links historical prophecy with modern concerns such as resource stress and geopolitical tension. The single biggest reason to buy is the book's clear through-line: it treats Daniel as a foundation for understanding a long arc of empires and suggests this arc has implications for our present era.

Key Features

• Historical scope: Traces Daniel from the Jewish exile to Babylon through succeeding empires, giving readers a continuous narrative that situates prophetic visions in historical context.
• Contemporary relevance: Connects themes in Daniel to current global issues like water security and resource scarcity, helping readers draw modern lessons from ancient text.
• Theological interpretation: Presents an interpretation that frames civilizational decline as part of an end-time picture, useful for readers studying eschatology.
• Reference approach: Written as a commentary-style resource, the book is organized to support study and cross-referencing of Daniel's visions.
• Volume format: As the first of two volumes, it covers the first half of the Daniel narrative in depth, preparing readers for subsequent discussion in the next volume.

Who It's For

This book is best for Bible students, pastors, and readers interested in Old Testament prophecy who want a structured commentary that links Daniel to a broader end-time framework. It suits those curious about how ancient visions can be read in light of modern environmental and geopolitical challenges.

Readers seeking a devotional or light overview should look elsewhere, as this volume takes an interpretive, reference-oriented tone rather than providing brief devotional reflections or introductory summaries for casual readers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a continuous historical interpretation from exile onward, which clarifies Daniel's narrative arc.
• Relates prophecy to present-day issues like resource and water concerns, making the commentary feel timely.
• Functions as a reference commentary, useful for study groups and sermon preparation.

Cons

• As the first of two volumes, it stops before completing the full prophetic picture, so readers must wait for the sequel for the full argument.

Specifications

Title	The Time Is Near: Volume 1 - A Reference Commentary on the Visions of Daniel
Author	Ian Foley
Scope	Commentary on the first half of Daniel and related historical empires
Focus	End-time interpretation linking Daniel to modern civilizational issues
Format	Reference commentary, first of two volumes
Themes	Prophecy, historical narrative, contemporary relevance

Our Verdict

Ian Foley's Volume 1 is a thoughtful reference commentary for readers committed to serious study of Daniel and its supposed contemporary significance. It is good value for Bible students and ministers who want a structured, historically minded interpretation that connects scripture to modern challenges, though it is incomplete without the second volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this volume cover the entire Book of Daniel?
It covers the first half of Daniel and the rise and fall of the early empires; the complete prophetic picture continues in the planned second volume.

Is this suitable for devotional reading?
The book is written as a reference commentary and is best used for study rather than brief devotional reading.

Does the commentary link Daniel to modern issues?
Yes, the author explicitly connects themes in Daniel to contemporary concerns such as resource scarcity, water security, and geopolitical tensions.