"Son of Man"

Review of Biblical Literature
“Bauckham offers a robust and distinctive treatment of interpretations of Daniel’s ‘one like a son of man’ in Second Temple Judaism, and in so doing he continues the debate. I look forward to volume 2 of this work.”

The Expository Times
“This first volume presents the relevant Jewish evidence from the Second Temple period in a way that is balanced, learned, and highly usable. For that, all readers stand in the author’s debt.”

Themelios
“Bauckham offers a penetrating exploration of early Jewish literature pertaining to the ‘Son of Man’ phrase that furthers our understanding both of Jewish messianism and the Parables of Enoch.”

CHOICE
“Bauckham’s thorough examination of the use of ‘Son of man’ in early Jewish eschatology significantly advances understanding of this important element of early Christian tradition and establishes a needed foundation for his planned second volume of the set (forthcoming), which will examine the Gospel traditions. . . . Highly recommended.”

“A remarkable scholarly journey, from Daniel 7 through early Jewish interpretations of this chapter to a close analysis of the messianic figure and the historical setting of the Parables of Enoch. Bauckham’s research of the Parables is a major contribution to our understanding of early Jewish tradition.” 
—Torleif Elgvin, NLA University College 

“Richard Bauckham has written an illuminating and engaging study of the enigmatic phrase ‘the Son of Man’ and associated messianic expectations in early Jewish texts. He takes readers on a fascinating journey into the world of early Jewish apocalyptic thought, investigating an impressive range of literature from the Parables of Enoch to rabbinic interpretations of Daniel 7. By clearly explaining his line of argument and fruitfully engaging with other scholars, Bauckham invites his readers to actively engage with his interpretation of the sources, which makes for an enjoyable reading experience.” 
—Cecilia Wassén, Uppsala University 

“Richard Bauckham’s volume on ‘Son of Man’ traditions in early Jewish literature is a masterpiece of exegetical inquiry. Bauckham digs deeply into a rich array of texts that interpret Daniel 7:13 (amplified by other scriptural passages) as referring to a human (not divine) figure who has previously lived on earth and whom God is preserving in heaven for an important future role. With a commanding grip on the details and a striking ability to discriminate between them, Bauckham generates innovative, often compelling solutions to issue after issue in each text, with his explanation of the Parables of Enoch being particularly remarkable. Central to this book is the nuanced and authoritative account of the different ways in which the individual texts interact with scriptural passages having a messianic dimension. The volume represents a decisive new beginning for scholarship on the Jewish ‘Son of Man’ and necessitates close examination by anyone interested in this subject.” 
—Philip Esler, University of Gloucestershire